Can I make this recipe as a cake?

Absolutely. Simply double the recipe and bake it in 3 8-inch rounds. I would also double the frosting recipe so you have plenty to add between each layer. More is always better when it comes to frosting, I always say.

Do I have to use hot cocoa?

I love the flavor of these cupcakes and I know you will too – the hot cocoa makes them extra chocolatey and super moist. If you don’t have hot cocoa on hand, you can substitute with ½ cup freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee for more of a mocha flavor. Feel free to use plain hot water but don’t omit the hot liquid completely as it will alter the taste and texture of the cupcakes.

Can I make these ahead and freeze them?

Yes! I love keeping a stash of ready-made cupcakes in the freezer. That way I can just defrost them before guests arrive and whip up a batch of frosting at the last minute. To freeze the cupcakes, cool completely and then place them in a large freezer bag or container and freeze flat for up to 30 days. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator or leave out at room temperature for an hour before frosting.

I don't have sour cream. What can I use instead?

Sour cream is my favorite secret ingredient when making chocolate cake – it gives it great flavor and makes the cake extra moist. If you don’t have sour cream, use full fat Greek yogurt.

Can I make American buttercream instead?

Of course! If you prefer the sweeter flavor of American buttercream it’s an easy swap. Check out this recipe and substitute the vanilla extract for peppermint. The recipe calls for 3 cups of C&H® Confectioners Sugar . For a silky smooth frosting, don’t forget to use room temperature butter and always sift the powdered sugar before mixing.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cupcakes - Browned Butter Blondie

Name: Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 43 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ounces bittersweet or dark chocolate, chopped; 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1/4 cup (30 g) Dutch process cocoa powder; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup canola (vegetable) oil; 1 cup (200 g) C&H Granulated Sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt), room temperature; 1/2 cup hot cocoa, made with hot water; 4 large eggs, separated; 1 cup (200 g) C&H Granulated Sugar; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened but still slightly cold; pinch of salt; 1/4 cup crushed candy canes, for sprinkling

Description

Rich, dark chocolate cupcakes made with real hot cocoa and topped with a snow white swirl of fluffy peppermint frosting. Sprinkled with crushed candy canes, these fun and festive cupcakes are the perfect last-minute holiday treat!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chocolate Cupcakes

2 ounces bittersweet or dark chocolate, chopped
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1/4 cup (30 g) Dutch process cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup canola (vegetable) oil
1 cup (200 g) C&H Granulated Sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt), room temperature
1/2 cup hot cocoa, made with hot water

Peppermint Swiss Meringue

4 large eggs, separated
1 cup (200 g) C&H Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened but still slightly cold
pinch of salt
1/4 cup crushed candy canes, for sprinkling

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Set aside.
Melt the chocolate over a double boiler. To make a double boiler, fill a small pot with 2 to 3 inches of water. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Do not boil. Top with a heat-safe bowl and add the chopped chocolate. Stirring occasionally, melt the chocolate until smooth and shiny. Carefully remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk to combine well.
n a separate bowl, whisk together the oil and C&H granulated sugar to combine. Add the eggs and vanilla and stir to combine well.
Stir in the melted chocolate followed by the sour cream.
Add one half of the dry ingredients and use a large spatula to fold it into the oil and egg mixture. Add the remaining dry ingredients and continue folding to combine, stopping when a few streaks of flour remain.
Add the hot chocolate (it should be almost boiling). Using a spatula, mix to combine until the liquid is incorporated. Do not over mix.
The batter will be a bit thick. For best results, use a large cookie scoop or measuring cup to transfer the batter into the prepared cupcake liners. Fill each liner ⅔ full. Do not over fill.
Bake for about 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcake comes out clean or with a few crumbs remaining. Do not over bake. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
To make the swiss meringue frosting, prepare your mixing bowl by wiping down the bowl and the whisk attachment with vinegar (or lemon juice). Be sure that there is no grease or fat on the bowl or whisk or the meringue will not come together properly.
Separate the eggs and add 4 egg whites to the clean mixer bowl. Make sure there are no yolks. Add the sugar to the bowl and whisk to combine.
Whisking often, heat the eggs and sugar over a double boiler on medium heat for about 6-10 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 150°F. Carefully remove the bowl from the heat and wipe away the moisture on the bottom of the mixing bowl.
Set the bowl on the stand mixer and whisk on high speed for 7 to 10 minutes. The meringue is ready when the bowl is cool to the touch and you can invert the whisk attachment and the meringue stays upright. If the meringue droops on the end of the whisk attachment, continue mixing for another 2 minutes and test again.
Reduce the speed to medium and add the butter to the mixer one tablespoon at a time. Allow about 30 seconds between each addition to let the butter incorporate. Once all the butter has been added, increase the speed to medium high and beat until the meringue is smooth and fluffy.
Add the peppermint extract and pinch of salt. Mix for one minute more.
To assemble the cupcakes, transfer the peppermint swiss meringue into a large piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Swirl the frosting onto the tops of the cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes or sprinkles.

Notes

If the meringue becomes soupy or curdles while mixing, continue mixing on high speed until the mixture comes back together.

Make sure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting.

Store cupcakes tightly covered in a cool, dry place for 3 days. May be frozen.