Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins (Printable)
Moist chocolate muffins with peppermint, chocolate chips, and crushed candy; makes 12 in 40 minutes.
# What You’ll Need:
→ 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 chocolate chips, for garnish
16 - Mini marshmallows, for garnish
17 - Additional crushed peppermint candies, for garnish
# 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 all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a separate medium bowl, whisk eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
04 - Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and mix gently by hand until just combined. Avoid overmixing to retain tenderness.
05 - Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed peppermint candies until evenly distributed.
06 - Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each approximately three-quarters full. Top with additional chocolate chips, marshmallows, and peppermint candies for garnish.
07 - Place pan in oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
08 - Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The peppermint extract is just enough to tingle your senses—it's like a friendly surprise in every bite.
- I never realized muffins could feel so indulgent yet quick; these come together faster than you’d think and vanish even faster.
02 -
- Once, I overmixed the batter out of impatience and ended up with tough muffins—gentle folding really is the trick.
- Sprinkling crushed peppermint right before baking keeps it crisp and colorful, instead of melting away.
03 -
- Letting the batter rest for five minutes before baking deepens the chocolate flavor and results in a higher muffin dome.
- A pinch of espresso powder in the dry mix can create an almost secret richness that everyone will love but can’t quite identify.