Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins (Printable)

Moist chocolate muffins brightened with peppermint, chocolate chips, marshmallow tops, and crushed candy.

# What goes in:

→ 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 (optional)
14 - 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies

→ Topping

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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until uniformly combined.
03 - In a separate medium bowl, vigorously whisk eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until fully integrated.
04 - Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients. Gently fold together just until combined, avoiding overmixing.
05 - Fold in chocolate chips, mini marshmallows (if using), and crushed peppermint candies until evenly dispersed.
06 - Divide batter equally among muffin cups, filling each approximately three-quarters full.
07 - Sprinkle additional chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed peppermint candies over each muffin.
08 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges with only a few moist crumbs attached.
09 - Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Baking these fills your kitchen with the irresistible scent of cocoa and candy canes, making even a Tuesday feel cozy.
  • The muffins stay moist for days—if you can resist them that long.
02 -
  • Overmixing the batter once the wet meets dry will make your muffins dense—resist the urge to smooth it out completely.
  • Crushing the peppermint candies too much turns them powdery and sinks them into the batter—leave a few larger shards for crunch.
03 -
  • Use room temperature eggs and milk for a fluffier, even crumb.
  • A gentle hand—it truly is the secret to muffins that stay light and tender.

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