Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins (Printable)

Moist chocolate muffins brightened with peppermint, chocolate chips, and crushed candies for a festive treat.

# What You Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 3/4 cup whole milk
09 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
10 - 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Add-ins

12 - 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
13 - 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
14 - 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies

→ Topping

15 - Extra chocolate chips, for garnish
16 - Mini marshmallows, for garnish
17 - Additional crushed peppermint candies, for garnish

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until uniform.
03 - In a separate medium bowl, whisk eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender crumb.
05 - Fold in chocolate chips, mini marshmallows if using, and crushed peppermint candies.
06 - Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about three-fourths full.
07 - Top each portion with extra chocolate chips, marshmallows, and additional crushed peppermint candies as desired.
08 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges with a few moist crumbs.
09 - Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Each bite is like unwrapping a chocolate peppermint candy—no mug required.
  • If you love easy bakes with a cozy twist, these muffins quickly find their way into your repeat list.
02 -
  • Overmixing makes these muffins dense; it’s worth leaving a few lumps for pillowy results.
  • Letting the batter rest for three minutes before filling the tin led to a lighter crumb every time.
03 -
  • Weighing dry ingredients gives consistent results, especially with cocoa powder.
  • Chilling your crushed peppermint candies prevents sticky clumps in humid weather.

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