- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin or line it with mini muffin liners. 
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. 
- In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. 
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. 
- Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips if using. 
- Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. 
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. 
- Serve warm with maple syrup for dipping.