Moist Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes (Print Version)

Moist chocolate cupcakes infused with peppermint, topped with creamy peppermint frosting for a refreshing, festive treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cupcake Batter

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1/2 cup whole milk
09 - 1/3 cup vegetable oil
10 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
11 - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
12 - 1/2 cup hot water

→ Peppermint Frosting

13 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 2 tablespoons milk
16 - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
17 - Pinch of salt
18 - Crushed peppermint candies (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until combined.
04 - Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
05 - Gradually pour in hot water while whisking until batter is smooth and thin.
06 - Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
07 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and salt; beat until light and fluffy.
10 - Spread frosting over cooled cupcakes and garnish with crushed peppermint candies if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The blend of rich chocolate & refreshing peppermint feels like a secret handshake between desserts.
  • It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress unexpected guests.
02 -
  • Don’t overmix the batter or your cupcakes might turn dense instead of light and fluffy.
  • Adding the hot water is a game changer — it unlocks the cocoa flavor and gives the batter a silky texture you’ll love.
03 -
  • Use room temperature ingredients to help your batter come together easily and bake evenly.
  • Lightly folding batter keeps cupcakes wonderfully tender — you don’t want to beat out the air.

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