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Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes (Holiday Dessert Idea) - Festive, Chocolatey, and Minty

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Dry Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process or natural)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 1/2 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/2 cup hot strong coffee or espresso
  • Peppermint Buttercream: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3–3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Toppings (optional but festive): Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
  • Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
  • Melted chocolate for drizzling

Method
 

  1. Prep the pan and oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Mix wet ingredients (except coffee): In a second bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
  4. Combine: Pour wet ingredients into dry and whisk until mostly smooth. Do not overmix.
  5. Add hot coffee: Slowly whisk in the hot coffee. The batter will be thin—this is good for a moist cupcake.
  6. Fill and bake: Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake 18–21 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool: Let cupcakes cool in the pan 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Make the frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy, 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, then peppermint, vanilla, salt, and enough cream to reach a smooth, fluffy consistency.
  9. Adjust flavor: Taste and add a drop more peppermint if needed. A little goes a long way.
  10. Frost and decorate: Pipe or spread frosting on cooled cupcakes. Top with crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, or a chocolate drizzle.