Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

These delightful Hot Chocolate Cupcakes are a sweet treat that captures the warmth of winter in every bite. Topped with fluffy marshmallow frosting and drizzled with rich chocolate ganache, they are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. Simple to make and irresistibly delicious, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring smiles to everyone around.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-11-21T07:12:51.991Z

There's nothing quite like the combination of hot chocolate flavors wrapped up in a cupcake. These Hot Chocolate Cupcakes bring the joy of wintertime treats to your dessert table.

A Sweet Winter Delight

Hot Chocolate Cupcakes are more than just a dessert; they embody the essence of winter comfort food. The combination of rich cocoa and warm flavors creates a nostalgic experience reminiscent of cozy nights by the fireplace. Each bite transports you to a snowy evening, making these cupcakes the perfect winter treat. They add a touch of indulgence to any gathering, evoking a sense of warmth and happiness among friends and family.

The use of marshmallow frosting takes these cupcakes to another level, providing a fluffy and delightful contrast to the chocolatey base. Topped with a rich chocolate ganache, these cupcakes are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavors. Whether you serve them at a holiday party or enjoy them during a movie night, Hot Chocolate Cupcakes will surely become a favorite.

Versatile and Easy to Make

One of the best things about Hot Chocolate Cupcakes is their versatility. You can easily customize them to fit your taste preferences. Want a hint of peppermint? Add peppermint extract to the frosting. Looking for a festive touch? Incorporate colorful sprinkles or edible glitter. The possibilities are endless. This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to create unique variations that cater to different occasions and preferences.

Additionally, these cupcakes are simple to prepare. With common ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip them up with ease. The combination of seamless mixing and quick baking time means you can satisfy your sweet tooth in no time. Thus, making Hot Chocolate Cupcakes is a delightful way to involve kids in baking, allowing them to enjoy the process while creating a tasty treat.

Perfect for Celebrations

Hot Chocolate Cupcakes are a wonderful addition to any celebration, especially during the winter months. Their festive appearance and rich flavors make them ideal for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or cozy get-togethers. Serve them alongside a warm cup of cocoa, and watch as they bring smiles and joy to your guests. The delightful combination of chocolate and marshmallow ensures that they appeal to both children and adults alike.

These cupcakes also make perfect gifts during the holiday season. Pack them in a decorative box or arrange them on a festive platter, and they become an excellent present for friends, family, or co-workers. Sharing homemade treats is a warm gesture that spreads joy and happiness, making these cupcakes not just a dessert but a thoughtful gift for the people you care about.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup hot water

For the Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows

For the Ganache

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Make sure to have all ingredients measured for best results!

Instructions

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine milk, oil, vanilla, and egg. Add to dry ingredients and mix until smooth.

Stir in hot water until well combined.

Bake the Cupcakes

Fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Make the Frosting

Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in mini marshmallows.

Decorate the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are cool, frost with the marshmallow frosting and drizzle with chocolate ganache.

Enjoy your delightful Hot Chocolate Cupcakes!

Storage Tips

To keep your Hot Chocolate Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature and frost them before serving.

Avoid refrigerating the cupcakes, as the cold can cause the frosting to become hard and alter the texture. Instead, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help maintain the fluffy texture of the marshmallow frosting and the moistness of the cupcake.

Pairing Suggestions

Hot Chocolate Cupcakes pair wonderfully with various beverages. A classic choice is a warm cup of hot chocolate, but they’re also delicious alongside coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk. The rich flavors of the cupcakes complement the warmth and creaminess of these drinks, enhancing the overall experience.

For a more festive touch, consider pairing the cupcakes with a spiced holiday latte or a cinnamon-infused drink. The spices from the beverages will harmonize beautifully with the chocolate and marshmallow flavors, providing a cozy and satisfying taste profile that’s perfect for winter.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cupcakes a day in advance. Frost them just before serving for the best texture.

→ How should I store leftover cupcakes?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

These delightful Hot Chocolate Cupcakes are a sweet treat that captures the warmth of winter in every bite. Topped with fluffy marshmallow frosting and drizzled with rich chocolate ganache, they are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. Simple to make and irresistibly delicious, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring smiles to everyone around.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 12 cupcakes

What You'll Need

For the Cupcakes

  1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  3. 1 cup sugar
  4. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  5. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  6. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  7. 1/2 cup milk
  8. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  9. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  10. 1 large egg
  11. 1 cup hot water

For the Frosting

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 4 cups powdered sugar
  3. 1/4 cup heavy cream
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 2 cups mini marshmallows

For the Ganache

  1. 1/2 cup heavy cream
  2. 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine milk, oil, vanilla, and egg. Add to dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Stir in hot water until well combined.

Step 03

Fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Step 04

Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in mini marshmallows.

Step 05

Once the cupcakes are cool, frost with the marshmallow frosting and drizzle with chocolate ganache.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 200
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: 2g