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Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

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As the chill of winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like indulging in the warm, comforting flavors of hot chocolate. But what if you could enjoy that cozy feeling in a cupcake form? Hot Chocolate Cupcakes are the ultimate treat for the colder months, bringing together the rich, velvety taste of chocolate, the fluffiness of marshmallow frosting, and a dusting of cocoa powder, reminiscent of your favorite winter drink. These cupcakes aren’t just a dessert; they are an experience, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will transport you straight into a winter wonderland.

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Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

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These Hot Chocolate Cupcakes are everything you crave this season—moist chocolate cake with a marshmallow surprise in every bite! 🎄🍫 #HolidayTreats #CupcakeMagic #ChocolateLovers #MarshmallowGoodness #BakingSeason #SweetToothFix #WinterVibes #CupcakeDreams #FestiveFlavors #WinterDesserts

  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • Cocoa powder, for dusting
  • Mini marshmallows, for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Cupcakes:

  1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This will help ensure that your cupcakes come out easily after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination creates the foundation for your chocolatey cupcakes.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Once your dry ingredients are well mixed, it’s time to add the wet ingredients. Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the batter is smooth and well-combined. The batter will be thick and rich, with a beautiful chocolate hue that promises a decadent treat.
  4. Fill the Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Fill each liner about two-thirds full, which allows room for the cupcakes to rise while baking.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. These cupcakes should have a slightly domed top and a soft, moist crumb.
  6. Cool Completely: Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They need to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Making the Marshmallow Frosting:

  1. Cream the Butter: To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl using an electric mixer until it becomes creamy and smooth. This process should take about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add Powdered Sugar and Milk: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while continuing to beat. As the sugar is incorporated, add the milk to help achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency.
  3. Fold in Marshmallow Creme: Once the butter and powdered sugar are fully combined, fold in the marshmallow creme. This ingredient will give the frosting its characteristic fluffy texture and sweet marshmallow flavor, making it reminiscent of the topping on a hot chocolate.
  4. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, it’s time to frost them. You can either pipe the frosting on using a piping bag for a more decorative finish or simply spread it on with a spatula for a rustic look. Be generous with the frosting — it’s the marshmallowy goodness that takes these cupcakes to the next level!
  5. Finish with Cocoa Powder and Marshmallows: To finish off these Hot Chocolate Cupcakes, dust them lightly with cocoa powder to give them a rich, chocolatey appearance. Top each cupcake with a mini marshmallow (or a few) to mimic the look of a classic hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows.

Notes

  • Flour: For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that the flour blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately to help provide structure to the cupcakes.
  • Sugar: If you’re looking to cut down on refined sugar, you can experiment with coconut sugar or maple syrup. However, note that using liquid sweeteners may alter the texture of the cupcakes, so be prepared for a slight difference in consistency.
  • Marshmallow Creme: If you can’t find marshmallow creme, you can use a homemade marshmallow fluff or even a mixture of whipped cream and powdered sugar as an alternative. While these won’t replicate the exact flavor, they will still give you that light and fluffy frosting texture.
  • Cupcake Variations: Feel free to add mix-ins to the batter, like chocolate chips, for an extra chocolatey bite, or crushed candy canes for a festive minty twist. For an even richer experience, you can fill the cupcakes with a gooey chocolate ganache before frosting.
  • Author: Paula Susan
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

These cupcakes are ideal for holiday gatherings, cozy family nights by the fire, or simply as a sweet treat to lift your spirits on a cold day. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice looking for a fun and delicious project, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while filling your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked chocolate.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • Cocoa powder, for dusting
  • Mini marshmallows, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cupcakes:

  1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This will help ensure that your cupcakes come out easily after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination creates the foundation for your chocolatey cupcakes.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Once your dry ingredients are well mixed, it’s time to add the wet ingredients. Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the batter is smooth and well-combined. The batter will be thick and rich, with a beautiful chocolate hue that promises a decadent treat.
  4. Fill the Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Fill each liner about two-thirds full, which allows room for the cupcakes to rise while baking.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. These cupcakes should have a slightly domed top and a soft, moist crumb.
  6. Cool Completely: Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They need to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Making the Marshmallow Frosting:

  1. Cream the Butter: To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl using an electric mixer until it becomes creamy and smooth. This process should take about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add Powdered Sugar and Milk: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while continuing to beat. As the sugar is incorporated, add the milk to help achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency.
  3. Fold in Marshmallow Creme: Once the butter and powdered sugar are fully combined, fold in the marshmallow creme. This ingredient will give the frosting its characteristic fluffy texture and sweet marshmallow flavor, making it reminiscent of the topping on a hot chocolate.
  4. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, it’s time to frost them. You can either pipe the frosting on using a piping bag for a more decorative finish or simply spread it on with a spatula for a rustic look. Be generous with the frosting — it’s the marshmallowy goodness that takes these cupcakes to the next level!
  5. Finish with Cocoa Powder and Marshmallows: To finish off these Hot Chocolate Cupcakes, dust them lightly with cocoa powder to give them a rich, chocolatey appearance. Top each cupcake with a mini marshmallow (or a few) to mimic the look of a classic hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows.

The Flavors, Textures, and Aromas

The beauty of Hot Chocolate Cupcakes lies not only in their appearance but in the way they combine familiar flavors and textures. The rich, dense chocolate cake serves as the perfect base, with each bite offering a moist, tender crumb. The cocoa powder in the batter provides a deep, bittersweet chocolate flavor that complements the sweetness of the marshmallow frosting. As you sink your teeth into the fluffy frosting, you’re greeted with the familiar sweetness of marshmallow, which contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cupcake base.

The dusting of cocoa powder on top enhances the chocolate flavor, while the mini marshmallows add an extra layer of texture and visual appeal. These cupcakes are soft yet sturdy, with a satisfying bite that makes them perfect for enjoying with a hot drink or for sharing with loved ones. The aroma as they bake is simply irresistible — the smell of chocolate fills your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere that beckons you to indulge.

Tips for Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

  • Flour: For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that the flour blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately to help provide structure to the cupcakes.
  • Sugar: If you’re looking to cut down on refined sugar, you can experiment with coconut sugar or maple syrup. However, note that using liquid sweeteners may alter the texture of the cupcakes, so be prepared for a slight difference in consistency.
  • Marshmallow Creme: If you can’t find marshmallow creme, you can use a homemade marshmallow fluff or even a mixture of whipped cream and powdered sugar as an alternative. While these won’t replicate the exact flavor, they will still give you that light and fluffy frosting texture.
  • Cupcake Variations: Feel free to add mix-ins to the batter, like chocolate chips, for an extra chocolatey bite, or crushed candy canes for a festive minty twist. For an even richer experience, you can fill the cupcakes with a gooey chocolate ganache before frosting.

Serving Suggestions

Hot Chocolate Cupcakes are perfect for a variety of occasions, whether it’s a holiday party, a cozy afternoon with family, or simply a sweet treat for yourself. Here are a few serving ideas:

  1. Serve with Hot Chocolate: Enhance the experience by serving these cupcakes alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Top the drink with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for the ultimate indulgence.
  2. Pair with Ice Cream: For a dessert that feels even more luxurious, serve the cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The warm cupcakes with the cold ice cream create a delightful contrast.
  3. Give as Gifts: These cupcakes make an excellent gift, especially around the holidays. Pack them in a cute box or tin with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade treat.

Conclusion

Hot Chocolate Cupcakes are a charming and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a classic winter beverage in cupcake form. The combination of a rich chocolate base, marshmallow frosting, and the final touch of cocoa powder and marshmallows makes these cupcakes an irresistible treat for both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting a winter gathering or simply treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack, these cupcakes are sure to bring warmth, joy, and sweetness into your home. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and endless possibilities for customization, they are a must-try recipe for every baking enthusiast.

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