Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes (Printable)

Rich chocolate cupcakes infused with peppermint and topped with creamy peppermint buttercream and candy cane sprinkles.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cupcakes

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, at room temperature
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 boiling water

→ Peppermint Buttercream

13 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
16 - 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
17 - Pinch of salt

→ Garnish

18 - 2 tablespoons crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper 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, and peppermint extract until fully combined.
04 - Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
05 - Stir in boiling water carefully; the batter will be thin.
06 - Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
07 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
10 - Pipe or spread buttercream onto cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It combines the best of chocolate richness and refreshing peppermint in a way that feels like sharing a secret treat with a close friend
  • The cupcakes are moist every single time, making them an instant favorite for holidays or anytime you crave a festive twist
02 -
  • Don't skip the boiling water step; it really brings out the intense chocolate flavor you won't get otherwise
  • Using pure peppermint extract instead of artificial flavorings made all the difference in creating that fresh, authentic taste
03 -
  • Whip your buttercream long enough to get light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
  • A tiny pinch of salt in the frosting balances the sweetness and enhances the peppermint flavor remarkably

Return