Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins (Print Version)

Moist chocolate muffins with peppermint, chocolate chips and crushed candies for a cozy, winter-ready treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 - Extra chocolate chips, for garnish
16 - Mini marshmallows, for garnish
17 - Additional crushed peppermint candies, for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Set oven to 350°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly blended.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Fold the mixture gently until just incorporated; avoid overmixing for a tender texture.
05 - Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini marshmallows if using, and crushed peppermint candies until evenly distributed.
06 - Divide batter evenly among muffin liners, filling each about three-quarters full.
07 - Sprinkle additional chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed peppermint candies over each filled cup for topping.
08 - Transfer pan to oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
09 - Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of gooey chocolate pockets and peppermint crunch is like finding a hidden present in each bite.
  • They're super quick to throw together, which means more time to actually enjoy them (preferably under a fuzzy blanket).
02 -
  • Overmixing the batter really does lead to tough, sad muffins—I once learned this the chewy way.
  • Adding the marshmallows on top just before baking gives that gooey, toasted look without melting away entirely.
03 -
  • A little extra peppermint candy on top after baking adds crunch and brightness—you can never have too much.
  • Don’t skip the wire rack: it’s the trick for muffins that aren’t too soggy on the bottoms.

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