When life gives you peppermint and chocolate, you make Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes. Imagine biting into a moist chocolate cupcake topped with a rich peppermint frosting that dances on your taste buds like a holiday party. Each bite delivers an explosion of flavors that reminds you of cozy winter nights, sipping hot cocoa by the fire while snowflakes twirl outside your window. pumpkin pie cupcakes with frosting These cupcakes are not just a dessert; they’re an experience, a celebration of all things festive and delightful! For more inspiration, check out this Peppermint Bark Cheesecake recipe.
I remember the first time I baked these little beauties for my family during the holidays. The kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of chocolate, and my kids danced around, unable to contain their excitement. When they took their first bites, their eyes lit up with joy, and I knew I had created something magical. Perfect for Christmas gatherings or birthday parties, these cupcakes promise to steal the show and leave your guests begging for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes are easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy bakers
- The flavor combination of minty freshness and rich chocolate is simply irresistible
- Their vibrant green frosting makes them visually stunning on any dessert table
- Versatile enough for winter festivities or any celebration year-round!
My sister-in-law still talks about how these cupcakes disappeared within minutes at our last family gathering—they were a hit!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A reliable base for your cupcakes, providing structure and tenderness.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor without added sweetness.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; brown sugar can enhance moisture and flavor.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Both are essential leavening agents that help your cupcakes rise perfectly.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavors of your ingredients.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs help create a richer batter for fluffy cupcakes.
- Milk: Whole milk works best for adding moisture and richness to your cupcakes.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist; feel free to substitute melted butter if desired.
- Peppermint Extract: A few drops bring that refreshing minty flavor to life!
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for making the light and fluffy peppermint frosting.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for easy mixing and creamy frosting.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare muffin tins with paper liners for easy cleanup later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined; set aside.
Create Wet Mixture: In another bowl, beat eggs then add in sugar, milk, vegetable oil, and peppermint extract until smooth; it should smell heavenly!
Combine Ingredients: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix—lumps are okay!
Fill Muffin Tins: Spoon batter into prepared muffin tins about two-thirds full; this allows room for rising without overflow.
Bake & Cool: Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean; let cool completely before frosting.
Create Frosting: Beat together softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add peppermint extract gradually until reaching desired minty flavor.
Now you’re ready to frost those cooled cupcakes! Pipe or spread the peppermint frosting generously over each cupcake. For an extra touch of holiday cheer, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top—because who doesn’t love a little crunch?
And there you have it! Your Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes are ready to be devoured by friends and family alike. cinnamon roll cupcakes Enjoy every bite of this delightful treat that will surely become a favorite in your household! pumpkin hummus recipe. pumpkin chocolate chip bread.
You Must Know
- Baking peppermint chocolate cupcakes is not just about flavor; it’s an experience!
- The aroma of fresh chocolate mingling with peppermint will enchant your kitchen
- Don’t rush the cooling process; patience ensures a moist, delightful texture that will have everyone begging for more
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping your ingredients and preheating the oven. Mix dry ingredients first, then wet ones, and combine gently to avoid overmixing.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular chocolate for dark or white chocolate. You can also add crushed peppermint candies for a crunchy texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to one week.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve an airy cupcake, beat the eggs thoroughly before adding them
- Don’t skip the cooling step; it helps flavors meld beautifully
- For extra minty goodness, drizzle melted chocolate mixed with peppermint extract on top!
Baking these cupcakes reminded me of a holiday party where my friends couldn’t stop raving about them. I felt like a baking rockstar as they devoured every last crumb.
FAQ
Can I make peppermint chocolate cupcakes ahead of time?
For more inspiration, check out this No Bake Christmas Peppermint Pie recipe.
Yes, you can bake them a day in advance and frost them right before serving.
What type of cocoa powder should I use?
Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor balance in your cupcakes.
How do I make the frosting extra fluffy?
Beat your butter and sugar together until light and fluffy for an irresistible frosting consistency.
Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 12 cupcakes 1x
Description
Savor the festive delight of Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes, where rich chocolate meets refreshing peppermint in an irresistible treat. Moist chocolate cupcakes topped with creamy peppermint frosting create a magical experience that evokes cozy winter nights. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any celebration, these cupcakes are sure to impress your family and friends with their vibrant appearance and unforgettable flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line muffin tins with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add sugar, milk, vegetable oil, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just mixed; avoid overmixing.
- Fill muffin tins about two-thirds full with batter and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat together softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy; gradually add peppermint extract to taste before frosting the cooled cupcakes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (70g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
