Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins: A Festive Treat Recipe
Introduction
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins combine the richness of cocoa with a refreshing hint of peppermint, making them a perfect festive treat. These moist muffins are topped with a sweet peppermint glaze and optional crushed candy canes for an extra holiday touch.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
- For the Peppermint Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until well combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Step 5: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: While the muffins are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Step 8: Once the muffins are cool, drizzle the peppermint glaze over the top and sprinkle with crushed candy canes if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use buttermilk for the best texture, or make your own by adding 1 tablespoon vinegar to 1 cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, add a little extra peppermint extract to the glaze, but use sparingly to avoid bitterness.
- Try stirring in white chocolate chips or chopped peppermint bark instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a different twist.
- Make them dairy-free by substituting plant-based milk and oil alternatives.
Storage
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven before serving to refresh their texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I omit the peppermint extract?
Yes, you can omit the peppermint extract if you prefer a classic hot chocolate muffin flavor. The muffins will still be delicious and chocolatey.
Can I make these muffins vegan?
To make these muffins vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacer, use plant-based milk and oil, and replace the chocolate chips with dairy-free versions. Adjust baking powder and soda as needed for best results.
PrintPeppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins: A Festive Treat Recipe
These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins are a festive and delicious treat perfect for the holiday season. Rich chocolate muffins infused with a hint of peppermint and topped with a sweet peppermint glaze and crushed candy canes create a delightful blend of flavors reminiscent of a cozy cup of hot chocolate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
For the Peppermint Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until well combined to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and flavor.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain the muffins’ tenderness. Fold in the chocolate chips if using.
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake the Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling they are fully cooked.
- Prepare the Peppermint Glaze: While the muffins are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar as necessary.
- Glaze the Muffins: Once the muffins have cooled, drizzle the peppermint glaze over the tops and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive finish.
Notes
- Replacing buttermilk with milk and vinegar makes a good substitute if buttermilk is unavailable.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins light and moist.
- For extra chocolate flavor, fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips, but this is optional.
- Use crushed candy canes for a visually appealing and festive topping.
- The glaze consistency can be adjusted by varying the milk or powdered sugar quantity.
Keywords: Peppermint, Hot Chocolate, Muffins, Festive, Holiday, Chocolate, Peppermint Extract, Dessert, Baking
