Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Name: Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened 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; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Mini marshmallows for topping

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

These delightful Hot Chocolate Cupcakes are a cozy treat for any occasion! Each moist chocolate cupcake is filled with rich hot cocoa flavor and topped with creamy marshmallow frosting, evoking the warmth of your favorite winter drink. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet surprise for loved ones, these cupcakes bring all the nostalgia of December's classic hot cocoa right to your dessert table.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-20T21:09:20.973Z

A Perfect Holiday Treat

The magic of winter often brings out a sense of cozy nostalgia, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of Hot Chocolate Cupcakes? These cupcakes not only embody the rich flavors of everyone's favorite wintry drink, but they also provide a warm hug in cake form. When served at holiday gatherings, they have a way of bringing everyone together, sparking conversations and creating memorable moments around the dessert table.

Imagine the smiles on your loved ones' faces as they take their first bites of these moist, chocolatey treats topped with fluffy marshmallow frosting. The combination of flavors will remind you of chilly nights spent curled up with a cup of hot cocoa, making them an ideal dessert for any festive occasion.

Versatile and Fun

These Hot Chocolate Cupcakes are not just for the holiday season. Their rich cocoa flavor and delightful frosting make them an excellent choice for birthday parties, cozy gatherings, or just a sweet pick-me-up on a regular day. You can even customize them for various occasions—think sprinkle decorations for birthdays or themed toppings for Halloween and Valentine's Day.

Kids and adults alike will find joy in the combination of chocolate and marshmallows, making these cupcakes a versatile dessert that appeals to all ages. Plus, they are easy to make, which frees up your time to enjoy the festivities.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Hot Chocolate Cupcakes, it's important to measure your ingredients accurately and to avoid overmixing the batter. Mix until just combined, as this will ensure your cupcakes stay fluffy and tender. Additionally, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick is crucial; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.

For an added touch, consider experimenting with flavored extracts or adding chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolatey goodness. These small tweaks can elevate your cupcakes even further, making them truly one-of-a-kind.

Ingredients

Cupcake Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened 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

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Mini marshmallows for topping

Instructions

Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Fill the Cupcake Liners

Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the batter. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make the Frosting

While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.

Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, top each one with a generous swirl of marshmallow frosting and garnish with mini marshmallows.

Storing Your Cupcakes

To keep your Hot Chocolate Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, but be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full flavor and texture.

You can also freeze these cupcakes. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Creative Variations

For those looking to switch things up, there are countless variations you can try with this cupcake base. Consider adding different flavored frostings, such as peppermint or orange zest, to create unique flavor profiles that suit your taste or the season.

You can also infuse the cupcakes with a surprise filling—try adding a dollop of chocolate ganache or a dash of espresso to enhance the rich cocoa flavor further. These variations can give a delightful twist to the traditional recipe while keeping that comforting hot cocoa essence.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different frosting?

Absolutely! Feel free to use chocolate buttercream or a whipped cream frosting if you prefer.

→ How should I store the cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge.