Oreo Muffins

Don't you think muffins sound healthier than cupcakes? Really, there's not much difference...a tad more texture, and muffins aren't usually frosted.  Muffins   have  as many calories as any cupcake - or more -  so it may take some denial on your part to justify indulging in these chocolatey,  crunchy-topped treats without (much) guilt.  They're a big hit anywhere you take them and look irresistible.

In a large bowl combine 1 3/4 c. flour, 1/4 c. sugar, 3 tsp. baking powder. Cut in 1/3 c. cold butter or margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.*   Beat 1 egg with 1 c. milk, Stir into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in 16 coarsely  chopped Oreo cookies. Fill greased muffin cups 3/4 full.

For the topping, combine 3 Tb. flour, 3 Tb. sugar and 5 finely crushed cookies.  Cut in * 2 TB  cold butter until  crumbly.  Sprinkle about 1 Tb. crumb mixture on each muffin. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 16-18 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan to finish cooling on a wire rack.   In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 c. vanilla chips with 1 TB shortening, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled  muffins. Makes 12.

* grate  very cold butter into the mixture for easiest incorporation