Chocolate Cupcakes With Peppermint Frosting: Festive Holiday Perfection
Rich cocoa cake crowned with a cool swirl delivers festive joy to every celebration.
Chocolate Cupcakes With Peppermint Frosting
If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert for your next holiday party or cozy winter gathering, look no further than classic chocolate cupcakes with peppermint frosting. Combining the richness of chocolate cake with cool, sweet peppermint, these cupcakes are guaranteed to bring festive cheer to any occasion. They’re incredibly versatile—perfect for Christmas, a winter birthday, or as a delicious homemade gift.
Why Chocolate and Peppermint?
The pairing of bold chocolate and crisp peppermint is a holiday classic for good reason: rich cocoa meets refreshing mint, striking a perfect balance between indulgence and brightness. This combination is especially beloved during the winter months, when peppermint candies are easy to find and celebrations call for crowd-pleasing treats.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare these decadent cupcakes and their creamy, minty topping:
For the Chocolate Cupcakes
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 4 heaping Tbsp. cocoa powder
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Peppermint Frosting
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 Tbsp. heavy cream (plus more if needed)
- 40 peppermint candies, crushed very finely (plus extra for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow this simple progression to bake deeply chocolatey cupcakes and whip up thick, fluffy peppermint frosting:
1. Prepare the Baking Equipment
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line 36 muffin tin cups with paper liners.
2. Make the Chocolate Batter
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in cocoa powder.
- Pour in 1 cup boiling water (microwave or kettle) and stir to combine. Let boil for 15 seconds, then remove from heat and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In a small bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla together.
- Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the dry flour mixture and stir until halfway combined—this helps cool the batter before adding eggs.
- Add the buttermilk-egg mixture. Stir until batter is smooth and homogeneous.
3. Fill and Bake the Cupcakes
- Fill each paper liner about 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake for 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven; cool completely before frosting.
4. Make the Peppermint Frosting
- Unwrap peppermint candies and place in a sturdy zip bag.
- Crush candies with a rolling pin or other heavy object until very fine.
- Beat softened butter until creamy.
- Add sifted powdered sugar gradually, beating on low speed.
- Pour in heavy cream; beat until light and fluffy.
- Fold in crushed peppermint (reserving some for garnish). Beat frosting until it’s extra light, about 30 seconds more.
5. Decorate the Cupcakes
- Frost cooled cupcakes with a thick swirl using a spatula, piping bag, or favorite technique.
- Sprinkle extra crushed peppermint on top for a festive touch.
- Allow frosting to set for a light crust, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Cupcakes Every Time
- Let Ingredients Reach Room Temperature: Starting with room-temp butter ensures smooth batter and fluffy frosting.
- Sift Powdered Sugar: Prevent lumps for a silky smooth frosting.
- Customize Frosting Consistency: Add more cream as needed—frosting should hold its shape but not be stiff.
- Don’t Overmix: Stop stirring the batter as soon as it’s uniformly mixed to ensure tender cupcakes.
- Use Fresh Peppermint Candy: Freshly crushed mints give the strongest flavor and prettiest garnish.
- Frost Once Cooled: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before decorating, or the frosting may melt.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
These cupcakes look especially festive when displayed on a cake stand or platter sprinkled with extra peppermint shards or mini candy canes. For parties, serve alongside hot cocoa or mulled wine. They also make gorgeous gifts—pack several in a holiday bakery box with a ribbon!
Frosting Variations
What others are reading
- Buttercream Only: Omit peppermint for a classic vanilla finish.
- Chocolate Peppermint: Add 2 Tbsp. cocoa to the frosting for an extra chocolatey twist.
- Fresh Mint: Substitute finely chopped fresh mint for a subtler flavor.
Bake-Along Story: The Joy of Holiday Baking
Making these cupcakes can be more than preparation—they’re a celebration in themselves! Whether watching your favorite movie (like Working Girl) or listening to Christmas music while you bake, let yourself enjoy the moment. Dance, decorate, and don’t forget to applaud your own culinary accomplishment—you’ve earned it!
Storing and Freshness
Proper storage keeps cupcakes fresh for days, ensuring you enjoy every bite.
- Refrigerate: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The frosting will develop a light crust over time, which many bakers love for texture.
- Freeze Unfrosted: Cupcakes freeze beautifully. Wrap cooled, unfrosted cakes tightly; thaw and decorate when ready to serve.
Quick Ingredient Substitutions
| Ingredient | Possible Substitution |
|---|---|
| Buttermilk | Whole milk + 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice |
| Peppermint Candies | Candy canes, peppermint bark, or chocolate mint pieces |
| Salted Butter | Unsalted butter + 1/4 tsp additional salt |
| Heavy Cream | Whole milk (use less for thicker frosting) |
Ideas for Customization
- Mini Cupcakes: Use mini muffin pans for bite-sized treats. Reduce bake time to 10-12 minutes.
- Festive Sprinkles: Add red, green, or sparkly sprinkles atop frosting for extra flair.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold a handful into the batter for double-chocolate decadence.
- Fillings: Pipe a little peppermint cream or ganache into cooled cupcakes before frosting for a surprise center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! The cupcakes can be baked up to 2 days ahead and stored (unfrosted) in an airtight container. Prepare the frosting fresh before serving for best texture and flavor.
Q: How can I crush peppermint candies without a mess?
Place candies in a sturdy zip-top bag and use a rolling pin, mallet, or meat tenderizer to smash until fine. Be careful—the bag may tear if too thin!
Q: Can I use peppermint extract instead of candies?
Absolutely. For pure peppermint flavor in the frosting, replace crushed candies with 3/4 to 1 teaspoon peppermint extract. You can still sprinkle crushed candies on top for crunch and color.
Q: Are these cupcakes suitable for gifting?
Definitely. Package cooled and decorated cupcakes in festive boxes or cupcake carriers. They travel well, and the peppermint topping adds a cheerful touch.
Holiday Baking Inspiration
“Peppermint desserts are a favorite for Christmas and beyond,” writes The Pioneer Woman, reminding us that holiday baking is about celebrating tradition, making memories, and indulging in sweet treats. From cupcakes to candies and cookies, peppermint is the season’s star flavor.
Peppermint Recipe Roundup and Variations
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cupcakes: Blend hot chocolate mix in the batter and top with whipped cream and peppermint for an extra-decadent cupcake.
- Chocolate Sheet Cake: Try making a large-format version for easy slicing and serving—use the same batter, adjust bake time, and frost generously.
- Other Peppermint Desserts: Explore cookies, brownies, or bars featuring chocolate and peppermint, as suggested in holiday peppermint roundups.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate With Flavor
When you’re looking to brighten the holidays, chocolate cupcakes topped with peppermint frosting are a timeless choice. With their rich flavor, playful crunch, and festive look, they’re sure to become a new tradition—shared, gifted, and loved for years to come.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11616/chocolate-cupcakes-with-peppermint-frosting/
- https://laurenslatest.com/peppermint-hot-chocolate-cupcakes-wilton-giveaway/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/a11910/positively-peppermint/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g42026552/peppermint-recipes/
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