Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

I will eat almost anything that has chocolate in it but give me chocolate and pumpkin together and you have a happy, happy girl on your hands!  These muffins are moist, flavorful and, best of all, low cal!  Enjoy two for breakfast with a cup of coffee and this is the new breakfast of champions!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins (adapted from skinnytaste.com)

1 1/4 c. white whole wheat flour (can also use all purpose)
3/4 c. sugar
3/4 t. baking soda
1 3/4 t. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. salt
1 1/2 c. pumpkin puree
2 T. applesauce (or canola oil)
2 large egg whites
2 t. vanilla extract
2/3 c. semi sweet chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350.  Line 15 muffin cups with paper liners and set aside. 

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and salt and whisk to combine.  Set aside.

In a large bowl combine the pumpkin, applesauce, egg whites and vanilla.  Beat at medium speed until thick.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl.  

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and blend at low speed until combined.  Do not overmix!  Fold in chocolate chips.  

Spoon batter into muffin cups and bake on the center rack for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.

15 muffins (137 calories each muffin) according to my calculator on loseit.com