Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins (Printable version)

Moist chocolate muffins studded with chocolate chips and crushed peppermint for a minty, cozy treat.

# List of ingredients:

→ 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
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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
04 - Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
05 - Carefully fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed peppermint candies until evenly distributed.
06 - Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
07 - Top each filled cup with additional chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed peppermint candies as desired.
08 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges with a few moist crumbs attached.
09 - Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The marshmallows melt into gooey pockets that taste exactly like a mug of hot cocoa.
  • It’s the fastest way to bring holiday vibes any time of year with only one bowl to clean up.
02 -
  • Overmixing the batter leads to tough muffins—resist the urge for a smooth batter.
  • Tried baking with more peppermint and learned the hard way that a little goes a long way!
03 -
  • Sifting dry ingredients makes each bite lighter and keeps lumps at bay.
  • A sprinkle of crushed peppermint right before serving adds crunch and color every time.

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