Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins Recipe

Introduction

These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins combine the rich cocoa flavor of classic hot chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint. Topped with a sweet peppermint glaze and optional crushed candy canes, they make a perfect treat for winter or holiday gatherings.

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)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (for glaze)
• Crushed candy canes for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth.
4. 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.
5. Step 5: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 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.
8. Step 8: Once the muffins are cool, drizzle the peppermint glaze over the top and sprinkle with crushed candy canes if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar for a homemade buttermilk alternative.
• For extra texture, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter.
• Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter contrast with the peppermint.
• Make the glaze thicker or thinner by adjusting the amount of milk to your preference.

Storage

Store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these muffins vegan?

To make these muffins vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, use plant-based milk with vinegar for buttermilk, and choose vegan chocolate chips. The glaze would need to be adjusted by omitting milk or using a plant-based alternative.

Can I skip the peppermint extract?

Yes, if you prefer a classic chocolate muffin, simply omit the peppermint extract from both the batter and the glaze. You’ll still have a delicious chocolate muffin without the minty flavor.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 66 reviews

These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins are a festive twist on classic chocolate muffins, infused with peppermint extract and topped with a sweet peppermint glaze. Perfectly moist and rich with cocoa, these muffins are ideal for holiday breakfasts, dessert, or a cozy treat with your favorite hot beverage.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until fully combined.
3. 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.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender. If using, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips carefully.
5. Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full for even rising and perfect muffin tops.
6. Bake the Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
7. Prepare the Peppermint Glaze: While muffins bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more milk to thin or powdered sugar to thicken.
8. Glaze the Muffins: Once muffins have cooled completely, drizzle the peppermint glaze over each muffin and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive crunch.

Notes

• Using buttermilk or milk with vinegar helps create a tender crumb by reacting with baking soda.
• Be careful not to overmix the batter to avoid dense muffins.
• Chocolate chips are optional but add extra richness and texture.
• Allow muffins to cool fully before glazing to prevent melting the glaze.
• Crushed candy canes add festive color and crunchy texture but can be omitted if preferred.

Keywords: peppermint muffins, hot chocolate muffins, chocolate peppermint muffins, holiday muffins, festive muffins, peppermint glaze, chocolate chip muffins