Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins: A Cozy Holiday Treat
When I think of the holiday season, my mind instantly drifts to the comforting aroma of baked goods wafting through my kitchen. There’s something so magical about curling up on the couch with a steaming cup of cocoa while frosty snowflakes dance outside. Today, I am thrilled to share with you one of my absolute favorite recipes: Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins. These muffins combine the creamy indulgence of hot chocolate with the refreshing zing of peppermint, creating a delightful holiday treat that will have your family coming back for seconds.
Not only are these muffins easy to whip up, they also create the most gorgeous, tender, and comforting bites that literally melt in your mouth — perfect for cozy weekends or festive gatherings. So grab your apron and let’s make a batch of these delightful Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins together! This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make — perfect for busy holiday mornings or last-minute gatherings.
- Family-friendly flavor that kids and adults alike will absolutely adore.
- The combination of cocoa and peppermint makes for a rich, cozy seasonal treat.
- Perfectly portable for parties, picnics, or cozy hot cocoa nights.
- Excellent for gifting or serving at holiday brunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins
To create these marvelous muffins, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Crushed candy canes for topping
How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins
Let’s embark on this cozy baking adventure!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Let the rich, chocolatey scent envelop you as you mix!
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and peppermint extract until well combined. The combination of peppermint and vanilla is pure magic!
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Then, fold in the chocolate chips for an extra indulgent touch.
- Fill the muffin cups about 2/3 full with the delightful batter. Watch as it rises and transforms in the oven!
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. You’ll be greeted by the most heavenly aromas wafting through your kitchen.
- While the muffins cool, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk until smooth.
- Once the muffins are cool, drizzle the glaze over them and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for that perfect festive touch.
- Enjoy your delightful Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins while snuggled up with a good book or around the table with loved ones!
Fun Ways to Customize It
There are endless opportunities for creative twists on this recipe! Here are some delicious variations to try:
- Double Chocolate Delight: Add an extra 1/4 cup of chocolate chips or use white chocolate chips for a fun, rich contrast.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
- Zesty Orange: Swap out the peppermint extract for orange extract and add some zest from an orange to give your muffins a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Creamy Cream Cheese Filling: Create a surprise center by placing a small dollop of cream cheese filling in the center of each muffin before baking for a creamy twist!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: These muffins can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to three days, making them perfect for stress-free holiday entertaining.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you prefer, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option or almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free treat.
- Slicing Tricks: For neat slices, let the muffins cool completely before cutting. If you can’t resist, enjoy them warm but be gentle!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 230
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! Prepare the batter the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake fresh muffins in the morning.
- Can I use different ingredients? Yes! You can substitute with gluten-free flour or different types of milk based on your preferences.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- How long does it last? The muffins taste best within a few days, but they can last up to a week if properly stored.
Wrapping It Up
These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins are a warm hug in the form of a delightful treat. Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on a chilly day with a warm drink, they truly capture the essence of the holiday spirit. I hope you cozy up in your kitchen and make these enchanting muffins soon. Don’t forget to save this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins to your Holiday Treats board so it’s ready when you need a cozy indulgence! Happy baking!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins
Ingredients
Muffin Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Crushed candy canes for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and peppermint extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Fill the muffin cups about 2/3 full with the batter.
Baking
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool.
Glazing
- Prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk until smooth.
- Once the muffins are cool, drizzle the glaze over them and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
