Description
Craving the comfort of a warm winter drink in dessert form? These Hot Cocoa Cupcakes bring that cozy hot chocolate experience to your fingertips. Perfect for the holidays, chilly evenings, or festive parties, this easy recipe combines rich cocoa flavor with a creamy swirl of chocolate frosting and the nostalgic charm of marshmallows. Whether you’re searching for quick holiday dessert ideas, creative food gifts, or just a delicious winter treat, these cupcakes check every box. Each bite is soft, chocolaty, and soul-warming—ideal for lovers of both cupcakes and cocoa.
Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk
¼ cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup hot water or hot brewed coffee
For the hot cocoa frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Garnish:
Mini marshmallows
Optional: chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix both sugars and oil until smooth. Beat in eggs, then stir in vanilla, sour cream, and buttermilk.
- Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients, then stir in hot water or coffee until smooth.
- Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 18–22 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- For frosting, beat butter until fluffy. Add sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix in vanilla, salt, and cream until smooth.
- Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes and top with a mini marshmallow.
- Add optional toppings like chocolate shavings or peppermint if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert