Description
Moist chocolate cupcakes infused with peppermint and coffee, topped with rich chocolate frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped peppermint candies (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Stir in the boiling water and peppermint extract. The batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- If desired, gently fold in the chopped peppermint candies.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously.
Notes
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter.
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the frosting to achieve the best consistency.
- Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American