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Hot Cocoa Cupcakes

Hot Cocoa Cupcakes

Cozy and chocolatey Hot Cocoa Cupcakes deliver the nostalgic flavor of hot cocoa in a rich, moist cupcake topped with creamy frosting. Perfect for chilly evenings, celebrations, or gifting, this easy recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a decadent treat loved by all ages.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcake Batter

  • 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup milk or buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese or 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes

  • Mini marshmallows
  • Chocolate shavings or curls
  • Sprinkle of cocoa powder
  • Crushed peppermint

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even mixing and a smooth batter.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth. The oil helps keep the cupcakes moist.
  3. Combine and Blend: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently but thoroughly to avoid overmixing. The batter should be thick, luscious, and deeply chocolatey.
  4. Bake the Cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Prepare the Frosting: While the cupcakes cool, beat together the cream cheese or butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until light, creamy, and spreadable. Using full-fat ingredients will enhance richness.
  6. Frost and Garnish: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost generously using a piping bag or spatula. Optionally, top with mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or crushed peppermint for a festive touch.

Notes

  • Measure ingredients accurately, preferably using a kitchen scale for flour and cocoa powder.
  • Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter.
  • Avoid overmixing to keep cupcakes tender.
  • Check for doneness near the end of baking; moist crumbs are acceptable, but wet batter requires more baking time.
  • Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake with frosting
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: hot cocoa cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, chocolate dessert, cozy dessert, holiday cupcakes, easy cupcake recipe