Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes: A Christmas Treat Everyone Will Love

Nothing says Christmas quite like the rich aroma of chocolate, coffee, and peppermint filling your kitchen. These Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes are the perfect festive dessert to delight family and friends during the holiday season. Soft, moist chocolate cupcakes infused with coffee, topped with peppermint buttercream frosting, and sprinkled with crushed candy canes, these cupcakes bring the warmth and joy of Christmas to every bite.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, participating in a cookie swap, or simply treating yourself during the cozy Christmas season, these cupcakes are bound to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients for Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup brewed strong coffee, cooled

• 1/2 cup whole milk

For the Peppermint Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract

• Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for garnish

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Muffin tin (12-cup)

• Cupcake liners

• Mixing bowls

• Electric mixer or whisk

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Spatula

• Cooling rack

• Piping bag and frosting tip (optional, for decoration)

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin tin with cupcake liners. This ensures even baking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, resulting in soft cupcakes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until fully combined.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the coffee and milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – overmixing can make cupcakes dense.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a cooling rack before frosting.

Step 7: Prepare the Peppermint Buttercream

In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with heavy cream, until desired consistency is reached. Mix in vanilla and peppermint extract.

Step 8: Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the peppermint buttercream on top. Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the frosting for a festive touch.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the cupcakes on a holiday-themed platter and enjoy a sweet, chocolaty treat with a refreshing peppermint twist.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes

1. Coffee Enhancement – Use high-quality brewed coffee to enhance the mocha flavor. Espresso works beautifully for a richer taste.

2. Frosting Consistency – If your buttercream is too stiff, add a tablespoon of cream at a time until smooth. If too soft, chill slightly.

3. Make Ahead – Cupcakes can be baked a day in advance. Store in an airtight container and frost on the day of serving for maximum freshness.

4. Candy Cane Garnish – For visual appeal, crush candy canes unevenly for a rustic, festive look. Avoid over-crushing, which may make the topping powdery.

5. Adult Version – Add a tablespoon of peppermint liqueur or coffee liqueur to the frosting for a grown-up Christmas treat.

Approximate Nutritional Value (Per Cupcake)

• Calories: 280

• Fat: 14 g

• Saturated Fat: 8 g

• Carbohydrates: 38 g

• Sugar: 28 g

• Protein: 3 g

• Fiber: 2 g

Why Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes Are Perfect for Christmas

• Festive Flavor Combination – Chocolate and peppermint evoke holiday traditions.

• Aromatic and Inviting – The smell of cocoa, coffee, and peppermint fills your home with Christmas spirit.

• Versatile Serving Option – Perfect for dessert tables, cookie swaps, or gift boxes.

• Customizable Decoration – Top with festive sprinkles, mini candy canes, or edible glitter to match any Christmas theme.