Peppermint 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
Scale
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
