Hot Chocolate Cayenne Muffins
Ingredients:
For the Muffins:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate chips)
For the Topping (optional):

¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cayenne pepper, and granulated sugar.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Fill Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
Make the Topping (optional): In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using). Brush the tops of the muffins with melted butter and then sprinkle the topping mixture generously on top.
Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm!
Tips:
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. You can start with a smaller amount and add more if desired.
For an extra chocolatey experience, you can add a few extra chocolate chips on top before baking.