Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes Recipe

These Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Combining the rich flavors of coffee and chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint, they make an excellent choice for Christmas desserts.

This recipe is easy to follow and results in moist, flavorful cupcakes topped with a creamy peppermint frosting. Ideal for holiday gatherings or as a festive gift, these cupcakes will surely impress your guests.

Festive Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes

These cupcakes feature a rich chocolate base infused with coffee and peppermint, topped with a light and fluffy peppermint buttercream. The recipe yields about 12 cupcakes and takes approximately 1 hour from start to finish.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brewed coffee, cooled
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the cooled coffee, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Make Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are cool, frost them generously with the peppermint buttercream.
Garnish: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top of the frosting for an extra festive touch.