Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins

If you’re looking for a treat that brings warmth and cheer to your kitchen, these Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins are just the ticket! Imagine biting into a soft, chocolatey muffin infused with the refreshing taste of peppermint. These muffins are not only delicious but also perfect for cozy winter mornings, festive gatherings, or simply as a delightful snack throughout the day. They’re easy to whip up and will surely impress anyone who tries them, making them a beloved recipe in my home.

I adore how these muffins combine the classic flavors of hot chocolate with a festive twist. Whether you’re baking for family, guests, or just yourself, Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins will make every occasion feel special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: These muffins come together in no time, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves chocolate! These muffins are sure to please kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead option: Bake a batch ahead of time and freeze them. Just warm them up when you want a sweet treat!
• Delicious flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint makes every bite irresistible.
• Customizable toppings: Drizzle with ganache and sprinkle on crushed peppermint for an extra festive touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins is simple with wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything you need:

For the Muffins

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For Topping (Optional)

• 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies
• 1/2 cup chocolate ganache

Variations

This recipe is flexible, allowing you to customize it according to your taste. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Switch up the chips: Try white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips for a different taste experience.
• Use dairy-free alternatives: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk or oat milk mixed with a splash of vinegar for a dairy-free version.
• Make mini muffins: Adjust the baking time and use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing.

How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your muffins bake evenly and rise beautifully. While that’s happening, prepare your muffin tin by lining it with liners or spraying it with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial because it evenly distributes the leavening agents throughout the flour mix, contributing to perfectly fluffy muffins.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and peppermint extract until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and richness to your muffins while infusing them with that delightful peppermint essence.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; don’t worry if there are a few lumps left! Overmixing could lead to dense muffins instead of light ones.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Now comes the fun part! Fold in half of the crushed peppermint candies along with those delicious semi-sweet chocolate chips. This step adds bursts of melted chocolate goodness and extra minty crunch.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin cups until they’re about three-quarters full. This allows enough space for rising without overflowing—a little trick I’ve learned from years of baking!

Step 7: Bake

Pop those beauties into your preheated oven and bake for about 18–20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs—not wet batter!

Step 8: Cool Down

Let them cool in the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly while keeping their shape intact.

Step 9: Finish with Toppings

For an extra special touch, drizzle each muffin with chocolate ganache (if using) and sprinkle on the remaining crushed peppermint candies. This not only looks beautiful but adds even more flavor!

And there you have it—your own batch of warm Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later; either way, they’re sure to bring joy this season!

Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these simple tips, you’ll create the most scrumptious muffins ever!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing eggs and buttermilk to room temperature helps them blend more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter – Mixing just until combined allows air to create fluffy muffins while preventing them from becoming dense.

• Check your oven temperature – Ovens can vary in accuracy; using an oven thermometer ensures your muffins bake perfectly every time.

• Experiment with chocolate chips – Feel free to use dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a unique twist that complements the peppermint flavor beautifully.

• Store properly – Keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag and thaw as needed.

How to Serve Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins

These festive muffins not only taste amazing but also make for a lovely presentation. Here are some creative ways to serve them!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – Lightly sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch that enhances the festive feel.
• Extra crushed peppermint – Add a few additional bits of crushed peppermint on top of the ganache for added crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Warm milk or dairy-free alternative – A cozy cup of warm milk pairs perfectly with these muffins, enhancing their rich chocolate flavor.

• Fresh fruit salad – A refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the muffins and adds a burst of color to your table.

• Yogurt parfaits – Layer yogurt with granola and berries to create a healthy side that complements your indulgent treat while adding a nutritious element.

With these tips and serving ideas, your Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins will not only be delicious but also an impressive addition to any gathering. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins are fantastic for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and have delicious treats ready whenever you need them. Here’s how to store and manage your muffins:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the muffins to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them; they’ll last about a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped muffins in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or heat directly from the freezer.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen muffins, remove from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For quick reheating, microwave each muffin for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Alternatively, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to restore their fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins:

Can I use a different type of flour for these muffins?

Yes! While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free alternatives. Just keep in mind that this may affect the texture.

How do I make Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins without eggs?

You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will help maintain moisture while binding the ingredients together.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can create a substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about five minutes before using it in your recipe.

Are Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! These muffins freeze beautifully. Just follow the freezing instructions above to enjoy them later.

How can I make these muffins more chocolatey?

To amp up the chocolate flavor, try adding an extra 1/4 cup of chocolate chips or using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. You could even add a bit of chocolate syrup into the batter!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Peppermint Hot Chocolate Muffins as much as I do! They embody the warmth and joy of the holiday season and are perfect for sharing with loved ones or keeping all to yourself. Whether it’s a chilly morning or a festive gathering, these muffins are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!