This recipe for Mocha Chocolate Chip Muffins and shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GrabHolidayHappiness #CollectiveBias

Mini Mocha Chocolate Chip Muffins and a well stocked coffee bar ensure a smooth morning for everyone. Even with guests during the holiday season!

There’s not much that I love having more than a full house during the holidays. Sure, there’s extra cooking and cleanup involved, but the added love and laughter makes up for it. Well, almost. The only thing I love more than guests? SLEEP!

This gal loves her shut-eye. It’s taken decades for me to appreciate that others don’t value their late morning snoozing as much as I do. What’s wrong with them?? So for my guests that get up before I do (which is pretty much everyone), I make sure that they have everything they need – ensuring I can rest undisturbed.

Like me (when I eventually arise), my family loves a cup of coffee. And of course, a few nibbles to go with. On nights when I think I may be able to get extra morning rest, I spend a little time before going to bed to set up a coffee station with some breakfast bites.

Not only does the fresh aroma of coffee help stir me in the morning, but one thing I’ve learned with a house full of boys? It’s a heckuva lot quieter when mouths are full! 🙂

Sleepy Morning Coffee Bar

Dunkin’ Donuts coffee is the star of our morning coffee bar. I’ve found it’s the one coffee that even the most polarized of families can agree on.

Dunkin’ Donuts, available at Dollar strongly believes that a great cup of coffee can help transform your day. Amen. With the many Dunkin’ Donuts coffee blends, and flavors, my guests can have the coffee they want whenever and wherever they choose. You can find Dunkin’ Donuts coffee at Dollar General.

I get one pot ready to brew in the coffee maker, and prep the Keurig so it’s ready to go. Mugs and coffee stirrers are set out and ready for use.

Go ahead and pour the half and half or milk into a small carafe that can easily be set out by the earliest riser. Better than having the whole carton out on the counter top all morning if you’re planning on cooking with it later in the day.

Right above the coffee brewers, I also keep a collection of sweeteners – coffee syrups, honey, sugar, and sugar free substitutes. At this house, we aim to please.

And last but not least, fresh fruit and these mini mocha chocolate chip muffins are set out.

I’ve found it’s best to sneak these guys out last minute before tucking in. (Lesson learned after the one year they were polished off as dessert before they ever had the chance to see the sun rise.)

Mini Mocha Chocolate Chip Muffins

Yield: 18 mini muffins

Mini Mocha Chocolate Chip Muffins and a well stocked coffee bar ensure a smooth morning for everyone. Even with guests during the holiday season!

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 very ripe banana
1 teaspoon coffee extract
2 eggs
2 cups flour
1 Tb. baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
1 cup miniature chocolate chips

Instructions

Beat together the butter and sugar, and banana. Add the extract and eggs and beat until smooth.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the milk and cooled coffee. Add the flour mixture and milk mixture to the creamed butter, alternately in batches, until it is all combined. Don't over mix. Stir in the chocolate chips with a wooden spoon.
Fill mini muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 11 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool.

Need some additional breakfast ideas for company? These homemade pop tarts are FABULOUS! And, these Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberries can be made ahead and frozen. Microwave as needed!