Rich chocolate, bold espresso, and cool peppermint come together in these irresistible Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes topped with fluffy marshmallow frosting. Perfect for holiday parties or cozy winter nights, they’re an easy, festive treat that looks as good as it tastes.
Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes
Peppermint mocha lattes in cupcake form- what’s not to love!
- Great for the holiday season – All you need is some Christmas music and these cupcakes to get you in the holiday spirit.
- Just like your favorite coffee shop drink – A peppermint mocha drink is my go to this time of year, and these decadent chocolate cupcakes embody that perfectly.
- Show-stopping cupcake – With simple decorating techniques that any home baker could manage, these cupcakes are a holiday classic ready for Christmas time.
What You’ll Need
With basic ingredients easily found at your local grocery store, these sweet treats couldn’t be easier. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Chocolate cake mix – My hack for easy cupcakes is just to use a box mix. There are lots of ways you can dress it up- both with the decorations and frosting!
- Ingredients needed for mix
- Coffee extract/espresso
- Unsalted butter
- Marshmallow creme
- Vanilla/espresso extract
- Coarse kosher salt
- Powdered sugar
- Whole milk
- Peppermint candy
Variations
There are plenty of ways you can make these peppermint mocha cupcakes your own.
- Frosting – Feel free to change it up. Make a chocolate peppermint frosting, a swiss meringue buttercream or even a plain chocolate buttercream if you prefer.
- Extracts – Add a couple drops of peppermint extract to the frosting or batter to really bring out that peppermint mocha flavor.
- Filling – Hollow out the center of the cupcake and add things like extra frosting, a chocolate ganache or fun sprinkles.
- Decoration – Add a candy cane to form a “handle” to your cupcakes or even top with fun sprinkles or a chocolate drizzle.
Questions You Might Have About Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes
Sure! But they won’t be mocha any more since the chocolate is missing. Even though they aren’t mocha, they will still be delicious!
Mocha is the name of a flavor that combines chocolate with coffee.
Place candies in a sealed plastic bag and crush gently with a rolling pin.
More Holiday Desserts
One of my favorite parts of Christmas is the baking! Here are some of my favorite treats.
Peppermint Mocha Cupcake Recipe
Ingredients
Mocha Cupcakes:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- Ingredients required for chocolate cake mix
- 2 tablespoons coffee extract or espresso
Marshmallow Creme Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter , room temperature
- 14 ounces marshmallow creme
- 1 tablespoon vanilla or espresso extract
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk or cream
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
Instructions
Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven according to the box directions. Line 24 muffin tins with cupcake liners. Set aside.
- Prepare the 1 box chocolate cake mix according to the package directions using Ingredients required for chocolate cake mix. Add the 2 tablespoons coffee extract or espresso and blend.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin. Bake according to package directions. Remove from the oven and set aside to fully cool.
Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachments, beat the 1/2 cup unsalted butter until light and smooth. Add the 14 ounces marshmallow creme, 1 tablespoon vanilla or espresso extract and 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt , mixing well.
- Add the 4 cups powdered sugar in 2-3 increments and then 2 tablespoons whole milk or cream until it reaches a frosting consistency.
- Place frosting into a large piping bag and pipe onto the cooled cupcakes or slather using an offset spatula.
- Top with cupcake with the crushed 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy while still tacky.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Notes
Nutrition
Such a great recipe! Absolutely delicious and moist!
Looks delicious, but at what point do you add the marshmallow creme?
Hi Lois, in step #2, combine butter, marshmallow fluff and other ingredients for the frosting. The creme is in the frosting, not the actual cupcake, although you could get crafty and stuff them!
These look beautiful and sound delicious. My favorite part of preparing for the holidays is the baking. Thanks for sharing this recipe. Pinned!
Happy Holiday!
I’d say these are amped up!! Beautiful. Pinning. Come share if you like. Linda
http://www.craftsalamode.com/2013/12/what-to-do-weekends-51.html
These are super cute! I like the looks of the pistachio cranberry bark, too. Yum! Pinning! 🙂
ooo yummy!! Pinning! I love anything with the crushed candy on top ;o) Emily@nap-timecreations