Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins (Printable)

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 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and 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 thoroughly blended.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat eggs with whole milk, vegetable oil, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and gently stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
05 - Carefully fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows (if using), and crushed peppermint candies until evenly distributed.
06 - Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
07 - Sprinkle additional chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed peppermint candies over each portion as desired.
08 - Bake on the center rack for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin emerges with a few moist crumbs attached.
09 - Allow muffins to rest in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Tips from dashanddishes:

01 -
  • Each bite tastes like a secret holiday treat hidden inside a muffin wrapper.
  • They're absurdly easy to make, even when last-minute guests appear or you're in your pajamas.
02 -
  • Do not overmix the batter—otherwise, the muffins can turn cakey and tough instead of delicately moist.
  • I once doubled the peppermint extract by accident and learned firsthand how overpowering it can be—measure with care.
03 -
  • Add peppermint candies just before baking so they stay crackly, not chewy.
  • A dusting of powdered sugar over cooled muffins fakes a snowy finish and hides any imperfections.