Name: Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups milk; 1 cup cocoa powder; 6 tablespoons espresso powder; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 ¼ cups granulated sugar; ¼ cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1 cup powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 50 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly captures the cozy spirit of winter holidays, I have just the treat for you: the Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes blend the rich, deep flavors of espresso and cocoa with a refreshing peppermint kick that just dances on your tongue. Imagine biting into a moist, chocolatey cupcake topped with a smooth, creamy frosting that has just the right touch of mint—comfort and elegance rolled into one delightful little package. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or a quiet evening treat, this recipe will fill your kitchen with heavenly aromas and your heart with joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A gray metal muffin tray holds nine white paper liners filled with smooth, dark brown chocolate batter. The batter fills each liner almost to the top, with a glossy texture and some small air bubbles visible on the surface. The muffins are still raw and not yet baked, with the batter slightly uneven in some spots. The tray rests on a white marble surface with hints of soft gray veins, and a red and white striped cloth is partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To whip up these irresistible Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes, you’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, whether it’s providing moistness, fluffiness, or that unmistakable peppermint mocha flavor we all adore.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb in the cupcakes.
Cocoa powder: Gives the cupcakes their deep chocolate flavor and rich color.
Espresso powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a robust coffee undertone.
Flour: The backbone that provides structure to the cupcakes.
Baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent to make cupcakes light and airy.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
Sugar: Sweetens the batter and contributes to tenderness.
Oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist and soft long after baking.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Peppermint extract: Introduces the refreshing mint flavor that defines the cupcakes.
Heavy whipping cream: Provides the perfect richness for the luscious frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing to a creamy consistency.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (for icing): Offers a chocolate balance to the minty frosting.

How to Make Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by sifting together the cocoa powder, espresso powder, flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This not only blends the powders evenly but also removes any lumps, ensuring your cupcakes bake with a smooth, consistent texture.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar and oil until combined, then add the eggs one at a time. Once well mixed, stir in the peppermint extract. This step builds the flavorful base that will harmonize beautifully with the chocolate notes.

Step 3: Combine and Add Milk

Gradually alternate adding the dry mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. This gentle folding technique keeps the batter airy and prevents overmixing, giving you perfectly light cupcakes.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners placed in a muffin tin, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Peppermint Mocha Frosting

Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and peppermint extract together until stiff peaks form. This frosting should be silky and hold its shape, ready to be dolloped or piped onto your cupcakes for a festive finish.

Step 6: Frost the Cupcakes

Using a spatula or piping bag, generously frost each cooled cupcake. Don’t rush this part! The creamy, mouthwatering peppermint mocha frosting is what transforms these cupcakes into something truly special.

How to Serve Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes Recipe

A chocolate cupcake sits in a red wrapper on a white marbled surface, with three layers visible: the bottom dark brown cake layer, a thick layer of light and fluffy chocolate frosting swirled on top, and thin dark chocolate drizzle lines on the frosting. Crushed white and red peppermint candy pieces are sprinkled all over the frosting. A gold metallic straw sticks out from the frosting at an angle on the right side. Surrounding the cupcake are white and red candy canes, a red glitter ball, and some scattered peppermint pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For that extra touch of whimsy and flavor, sprinkle crushed peppermint candy or a light dusting of cocoa powder over the frosting. Tiny chocolate shavings or a whole candy cane can also elevate the presentation and highlight the peppermint theme perfectly.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a peppermint tea. The drinks complement the mocha and mint flavors, making your dessert experience even cozier and more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes Recipe on a tiered dessert tray at your next holiday party or boxing individual cupcakes in clear gift containers tied with a red ribbon for delicious edible gifts. The rich combination of flavors and festive look makes them stand out wherever they appear.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover peppermint mocha cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them; just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving so the frosting tastes its best.

Freezing

These cupcakes freeze beautifully—just pop them unfrosted into a sealed container or freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost fresh before serving to retain that delectable peppermint mocha flavor.

Reheating

Since cupcakes are best enjoyed at room temperature, avoid microwaving them with frosting. If you need to warm the cake portion, remove the frosting and gently heat the cupcake itself for a few seconds before reapplying the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use decaf espresso powder in the Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes Recipe?

Absolutely! Decaf works just as well and lets you enjoy the coffee flavor without the caffeine kick, making these cupcakes enjoyable at any time of day.

Is there a substitute for peppermint extract?

If you don’t have peppermint extract on hand, you can use a few drops of peppermint oil or even crushed peppermint candies melted into the frosting, though extract provides the cleanest minty flavor.

How do I make the cupcakes more moist?

Using oil instead of butter in this recipe helps keep them moist, plus make sure not to overbake the cupcakes to retain their softness and tender crumb.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

You can substitute butter, but it might change the texture slightly, making cupcakes a bit denser. If using butter, soften it and cream well with sugar for best results.

How long will the cupcakes keep their peppermint mocha flavor?

If properly stored, the vibrant peppermint mocha flavor will last up to 3 days at room temperature and up to a week refrigerated. Freezing is best if you want to keep the flavor even longer.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes Recipe enough if you want to bake something that’s both comforting and exciting. Each bite offers a perfect balance of chocolatey richness and refreshing peppermint charm that’s hard to resist. Give it a try for your next holiday treat or anytime you want to bring a little festive magic into your kitchen—you’ll be so glad you did!