Orange Ricotta Chocolate Chip Muffins

I've never tried to make muffins before, but I found this great recipe and since I had extra oranges in the fridge, it was a no-brainer.

Let me tell you....these turned out to be one of my favorite desserts I've ever made. The orange flavor is so good and the glaze on top is to die for. It's perfect for a sweet breakfast on the go or a great treat at the end of the night.

Ingredients:

2 cups white whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
Zest of 1 orange
1/2 cup light butter, melted
1 cup low fat ricotta cheese (you can use regular ricotta cheese too)
1 large egg
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 9 tablespoons chocolate chips

For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a small bowl, add the sugar and orange zest. Rub the orange zest and sugar together with your fingers.

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar and orange zest mixture together until light and fluffy, about two minutes. Add the ricotta cheese and beat until smooth. Beat in the egg, orange juice, and vanilla extract.

Add the dry ingredients and mix until just blended. Stir in the chocolate chips. Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, divide the batter evenly between the 12 muffin cups.

Bake muffins for about 20 - 25 minutes, or until the tops are slightly golden brown. Let muffins cool completely.

While the muffins are cooking, make the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. Drizzle glaze over muffins. Let the muffins sit until glaze hardens.