Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cupcakes for Christmas
45
min
349
Calories
13g
Fats
49g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Indulge in the holiday spirit with these Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cupcakes. A perfect blend of rich chocolate, fresh peppermint, and fluffy marshmallow frosting. An irresistible treat that's sure to warm your heart!
Ingredients:
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Begin your baking journey by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with 24 regular-size cupcake liners. This preparatory step is essential for ensuring your cupcakes are easy to remove and perfectly shaped for decorating later on.
Pro Tip: Use festive cupcake liners for an extra holiday touch!
Step 2: Mixing the Batter
Create a luxurious base for your cupcakes by melting semisweet chocolate chips with hot coffee, stirring patiently until smooth. This chocolate-coffee mixture will be the secret to your cupcakes' rich flavor. Sift together the dry ingredients: sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until they slightly thicken, then gradually mix in buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Combine the chocolate-coffee mixture with the eggs, ensuring a smooth blend, then gradually add the dry ingredients to form a silky batter.
Pro Tip: For an even richer flavor, use freshly brewed strong coffee.
Step 3: Baking the Cupcakes
Distribute your batter evenly among the lined cupcake wells, filling each three-quarters full for the perfect rise. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 21 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step requires patience and a watchful eye to ensure your cupcakes come out moist and fluffy. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely after baking, setting the stage for a sumptuous frosting.
Pro Tip: Don’t open the oven too often while baking to maintain a consistent temperature.
Step 4: Creating Frosting and Ganache
While your cupcakes cool, prepare two decadent toppings: chocolate ganache and peppermint marshmallow buttercream frosting. For the ganache, gently heat heavy cream and butter until simmering, then whisk in chocolate pieces until the mixture is velvety smooth. For the frosting, whip together butter and marshmallow cream, adding peppermint extract for that festive flavor. Gradually add powdered sugar until the frosting reaches your desired consistency, ready to be piped onto the cooled cupcakes.
Pro Tip: Let the ganache cool slightly before filling the cupcakes for easier handling.
Step 5: Assembling the Cupcakes
Now comes the fun part: assembling your peppermint hot chocolate cupcakes! Use an apple corer to remove the center from each cooled cupcake. Fill the hollow with the luscious chocolate ganache, then pipe a generous swirl of peppermint marshmallow buttercream frosting on top. Finally, sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for a festive finish. These carefully assembled cupcakes are a visual and gustatory delight, embodying the holiday spirit in every bite.
Pro Tip: Using a star tip for your pastry bag will give the frosting a beautiful, professional look.
