Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins (Printable Version)
Moist chocolate muffins with peppermint, chocolate chips, and crushed candy for a minty, cozy treat.
# What You 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:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
03 - In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until thoroughly blended.
04 - Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain tender muffins.
05 - Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed peppermint candies until evenly distributed in the batter.
06 - Divide the batter evenly among the muffin liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and additional peppermint candies on top for garnish.
07 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
08 - Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The tender chocolate crumb is packed with little peppermint bursts—rich enough for dessert and cheerful enough for brunch.
- I keep making them because they're somehow both simple and a little bit magical, reminding everyone of festive season warmth.
02 -
- If you overmix the batter, the muffins turn tough and lose their magical fluffiness.
- I found out marshmallows on top need only a gentle sprinkle—too many disappear into sticky puddles.
03 -
- Always spoon and level your flour for light, tender muffins—packing it in makes them dense.
- A pinch of instant espresso powder subtly deepens the chocolate flavor, if you like.