Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins (Print Version)

Moist chocolate muffins with peppermint, chocolate chips and crushed candy, finished with marshmallow or extra chips.

# 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
14 - 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies

→ Topping

15 - Additional chocolate chips
16 - Extra mini marshmallows
17 - Additional crushed peppermint candies

# How to Prepare:

01 - Set oven to 350°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a separate medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vegetable oil, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until uniformly blended.
04 - Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and gently stir until batter just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
05 - Fold chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed peppermint candies into batter.
06 - Spoon batter evenly into prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
07 - Sprinkle extra chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and additional crushed peppermint candies atop each muffin, if desired.
08 - Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center yields a few moist crumbs.
09 - Let muffins rest in tin for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack until completely cooled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This recipe is like a secret shortcut to that rich mug of peppermint cocoa, but somehow even cozier.
  • Instant mood lifter during wintry afternoons and an easy hit for anyone who loves chocolate with a twist.
02 -
  • If you overmix the batter, the muffins will turn out heavy and lose their gentle crumb—I learned this when I got distracted by a phone call mid-mix.
  • Crushing the peppermint candies too fine makes them disappear in the bake, but chunky bits stay crisp for a perfect bite.
03 -
  • Measure flour by spooning and leveling to avoid dry muffins—the difference is huge.
  • Peppermint extract is powerful; start small and taste your batter if you’re ever unsure.

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