Go Back

Mint Chocolate Cupcakes - Cool, Chocolatey, and Crowd-Pleasing

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Dry ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • Wet ingredients: 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice), 1/3 cup neutral oil, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 cup hot coffee or hot water
  • For the mint frosting: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk; 1/2–3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; pinch of salt; optional 1–2 drops green gel food coloring
  • Garnish (optional): Mini chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of melted chocolate
  • Tools: 12-cup muffin tin, paper liners, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, hand mixer (for frosting), cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until uniform.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Bring batter together: Pour wet ingredients into dry. Stir gently until just combined. Add hot coffee or water and whisk briefly until the batter is smooth and glossy. It will be thin; that’s okay.
  5. Fill liners: Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  6. Bake: Bake 16–19 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake.
  7. Cool: Let cupcakes rest in the pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Make mint frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon cream, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy, 1–2 minutes. Adjust consistency with more cream as needed. Add a drop or two of green coloring if you like.
  9. Frost and finish: Swirl frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Top with mini chocolate chips or shavings for texture.