Description
Cozy up with these rich and moist Hot Cocoa Cupcakes—an indulgent dessert that tastes just like your favorite winter drink. Each bite delivers a deep chocolate flavor, tender crumb, and fluffy hot cocoa frosting crowned with a marshmallow. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, weekend treat, or snowy afternoon indoors, these cupcakes are a warm hug in dessert form. A must-try if you’re searching for easy recipes, chocolate dessert ideas, or fun baking projects with kids. Great for holiday bakes, winter dessert ideas, or even gifting sweet treats!
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup hot water
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
⅓ cup hot cocoa mix
3 tablespoons heavy cream
12 mini marshmallows (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tray with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry, then stir in the hot water. Batter will be thin.
5. Fill cupcake liners ⅔ full and bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
7. For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy.
8. Gradually add powdered sugar and hot cocoa mix.
9. Pour in cream and beat until light and fluffy.
10. Pipe frosting on cooled cupcakes and top with a mini marshmallow.
Notes
For extra depth, add a dash of espresso powder to the batter.
Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg