Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins (Printable)
Moist chocolate muffins with peppermint, chocolate chips and crushed candies for a cozy, winter-ready treat.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 3/4 cup whole milk
09 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
10 - 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Add-ins
12 - 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
13 - 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
14 - 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies
→ Topping
15 - Extra semi-sweet chocolate chips, for garnish
16 - Additional mini marshmallows, for garnish
17 - More crushed peppermint candies, for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly incorporated.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
04 - Pour blended wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
05 - Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini marshmallows if using, and crushed peppermint candies, distributing evenly throughout the batter.
06 - Divide the batter evenly between muffin liners, filling each about three-quarters full.
07 - Scatter additional chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed peppermint candies on top of each filled muffin cup.
08 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges with a few moist crumbs attached.
09 - Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Each bite tastes like a secret holiday treat hidden inside a muffin wrapper.
- They're absurdly easy to make, even when last-minute guests appear or you're in your pajamas.
02 -
- Do not overmix the batter—otherwise, the muffins can turn cakey and tough instead of delicately moist.
- I once doubled the peppermint extract by accident and learned firsthand how overpowering it can be—measure with care.
03 -
- Add peppermint candies just before baking so they stay crackly, not chewy.
- A dusting of powdered sugar over cooled muffins fakes a snowy finish and hides any imperfections.