Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peppermint, making them an ideal choice for holiday celebrations. These moist chocolate cupcakes are infused with refreshing peppermint and coffee, topped with a luxurious mocha frosting, and garnished with crushed candy canes. This festive dessert is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings!
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes
These Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes are not just visually appealing; they also offer a burst of flavor that will keep you coming back for more. Here are some reasons why you’ll adore them:
- Perfect for the holiday season with their festive colors and flavors.
- They are easy to make, perfect for novice bakers looking for an easy peppermint mocha cupcake recipe.
- These cupcakes are a great addition to any holiday dessert table, making them one of the best peppermint mocha cupcakes for Christmas.
- The combination of mint and chocolate creates a delightful taste experience.
- They can easily be adapted into gluten-free peppermint mocha cupcakes.
- These cupcakes are vegetarian-friendly, fitting into various dietary preferences.
- They can be customized with different frosting ideas, such as peppermint mocha frosting ideas.
- They are fun to decorate, making them a great activity for kids and families.
Ingredients for Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes
Gather these items:
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- For the Mocha Frosting:
- 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Crushed candy canes, for garnish
How to Make Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 24-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract.
- Step 5: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and cooled brewed coffee.
- Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Step 7: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Step 8: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Step 9: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 10: While the cupcakes cool, prepare the mocha frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Step 11: Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the cooled coffee, until smooth and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Step 12: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the mocha frosting.
- Step 13: Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the frosting.
Pro Tips for the Best Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes
Keep these in mind:
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture in your mocha mint cupcake recipe.
- Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to taste, especially if you prefer a stronger mint flavor.
- Consider using high-quality cocoa powder for richer chocolate flavor.
- For a festive touch, try decorating with additional crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings.
Best Ways to Serve Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes
These cupcakes can be served in various delightful ways:
- Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Serve at holiday gatherings as part of a dessert spread.
- Consider offering them as a sweet surprise at a winter party or event.
How to Store and Reheat Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes
To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you plan to save them for longer, you can refrigerate them, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving. These cupcakes are also great for meal prep, making them perfect for busy holiday weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes
What’s the secret to perfect Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes?
The secret to perfect Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes lies in the balance of flavors. Ensure to use high-quality cocoa powder and adjust the mint flavor to your liking. This combination enhances the overall taste, making them irresistible!
Can I make Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes ahead of time! They can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving to maintain their freshness and presentation.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes?
To avoid common mistakes, be cautious not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense cupcakes. Also, ensure that your ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for better incorporation.
Variations of Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes You Can Try
If you want to experiment with your Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes, consider these variations:
- Make vegan peppermint mocha cupcake recipe by substituting eggs with flaxseed meal and using vegan butter.
- Try peppermint-infused chocolate cupcakes by adding a peppermint essence to the batter.
- For a twist, create peppermint chocolate muffins by using a muffin tin and skipping the frosting for a simpler treat.
- For a gluten-free option, use almond or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Delicious Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes to Savor This Season
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist chocolate cupcakes infused with peppermint and coffee flavors, topped with a rich mocha frosting and crushed candy canes.
Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- For the Mocha Frosting:
- 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Crushed candy canes, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 24-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and cooled brewed coffee.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cupcakes cool, prepare the mocha frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the cooled coffee, until smooth and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the mocha frosting.
- Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the frosting.
Notes
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes









