Decadent Hot Chocolate Cupcakes with Fluffy Marshmallow Frosting
There’s nothing quite like a warm mug of hot chocolate on a chilly day, especially when it’s topped with a generous swirl of fluffy marshmallows. It’s a classic comfort drink that evokes coziness and sweet memories. But what if you could transform that delightful experience into a portable, perfectly portioned treat? Enter the Hot Chocolate Cupcake! We’ve taken everything you love about your favorite winter beverage and baked it into a tender, rich chocolate cupcake, crowned with a dreamy, homemade marshmallow frosting that tastes just like toasted mallows. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an edible celebration, perfect for any occasion, from festive holiday gatherings to a simple “Cupcake Saturday” treat.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate Cupcake Recipe
This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s designed for joy and ease. Here’s why these hot chocolate cupcakes will become your new favorite:
- **Pure Indulgence:** Rich chocolate cupcakes infused with cocoa and a hint of cinnamon, mirroring the depth of real hot chocolate.
- **Homemade Marshmallow Frosting:** A light, airy, and utterly delicious frosting that captures the essence of melted marshmallows.
- **Simple & Scratch-Made:** Enjoy the satisfaction of baking from scratch with straightforward steps and readily available ingredients.
- **Versatile Delight:** Perfect for Christmas, birthdays, potlucks, or simply a cozy evening dessert.
- **Crowd-Pleaser:** These cupcakes are guaranteed to bring smiles to faces, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
The Ultimate Hot Chocolate Cupcake Recipe
Get ready to bake a batch of these extraordinary hot chocolate cupcakes! This comprehensive guide provides all the details you need to create a truly memorable dessert.
Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 24 cupcakes | Calories: 322 kcal per serving
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
Cupcake Ingredients:
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Shop Now)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Shop Now)
- ¾ teaspoon Baking Soda (Shop Now)
- ½ teaspoon Salt (Shop Now)
- ½ cup Hot Water
- ½ cup Cocoa Powder (Shop Now)
- 6 Tablespoons Butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup White Sugar (Shop Now)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup Vegetable Oil (Shop Now)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Shop Now)
Marshmallow Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 (7.5 oz) container Marshmallow Fluff (Shop Now)
- ¼ cup Butter, softened
- 2 cups Confectioners Powdered Sugar (Shop Now)
- 1 – 2 Tablespoons Heavy Whipping Cream
Instructions
Cupcake Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard cupcake tin with paper liners.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together the hot water and cocoa powder until a smooth paste forms. Set aside.
- Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer), cream together the room temperature butter and white sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the large egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the hot cocoa mixture. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined and no lumps remain. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough cupcakes.
- Using a large ice cream scoop or spoon, fill the lined cupcake tins with batter, filling each about ¾ full. This ensures even baking and prevents overflowing.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the cupcake pan for about 10 minutes. This helps them set and prevents sticking.
- Carefully transfer the individual cupcakes from the pan to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. This is crucial for preventing melted frosting.
Frosting Directions:
While your cupcakes are cooling, prepare the luscious marshmallow frosting.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the marshmallow fluff and softened butter together until they are well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ powdered sugar, beating until it is fully incorporated into the marshmallow mixture.
- Mix in the heavy whipping cream, starting with 1 tablespoon and adding up to 2 tablespoons, ½ tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. You want it to be firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to pipe easily.
- Spoon the prepared frosting into a pastry bag fitted with a large decorative tip (such as a star or round tip).
- Frost each cooled cupcake, working from the outside edge towards the center to create a beautiful swirl.
- For a finishing touch, lightly sprinkle a little extra cocoa powder on top of each frosted cupcake, mimicking the look of powdered hot chocolate.
Kitchen Tools
Having the right tools makes baking these cupcakes even more enjoyable:
- Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients and the main batter.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: A crucial tool for creaming butter and sugar, and for preparing the fluffy frosting.
- Muffin Pan: The base for baking your perfect cupcakes.
- Wire Rack: For cooling cupcakes evenly and preventing them from becoming soggy.
- Pastry Bag and Large Tip: For professional-looking frosting swirls, though a spoon or offset spatula works too!
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 144
Expert Tips for Baking Perfect Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Achieving bakery-quality cupcakes at home is easier than you think with a few simple tricks. Follow these tips for consistently delicious results every time:
- **Room Temperature Ingredients are Key:** Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better with other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a lighter, airier cupcake texture.
- **Don’t Overmix:** Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dense cupcakes. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!
- **Measure Flour Correctly:** Spoon your flour into a measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can pack the flour, resulting in too much flour and dry cupcakes.
- **Hot Water for Rich Cocoa Flavor:** Using hot water for the cocoa powder helps “bloom” the cocoa, intensifying its flavor and creating a deeper chocolate taste in your cupcakes.
- **Fill Liners Evenly:** For uniform cupcakes, use an ice cream scoop to distribute the batter into the liners. Filling them about two-thirds to three-quarters full is ideal to prevent overflowing.
- **Test for Doneness:** The toothpick test is your best friend. Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, they’re done. If it’s wet, bake for a few more minutes.
- **Cool Completely Before Frosting:** This cannot be stressed enough! Warm cupcakes will melt your beautiful marshmallow frosting, turning it into a sticky mess. Patience is a virtue here.
- **Adjust Frosting Consistency:** If your marshmallow frosting is too thick, add a tiny bit more heavy cream (½ teaspoon at a time) until it’s just right. If it’s too thin, a tablespoon or two of extra powdered sugar can help thicken it up.
- **Get Creative with Toppings:** While a dusting of cocoa powder is classic, consider mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or even a sprinkle of festive sprinkles for special occasions.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Toppings
These hot chocolate cupcakes are a delightful treat on their own, but a few extra touches can elevate them even further. Serve them alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy experience. For an extra touch of decadence, consider adding:
- **Mini Marshmallows:** Pile a few mini marshmallows on top of the frosting just before serving for a classic hot chocolate look.
- **Chocolate Shavings:** A sprinkle of finely grated dark or milk chocolate adds elegance and another layer of chocolatey flavor.
- **Chocolate Drizzle:** A simple zigzag of melted chocolate or chocolate syrup can make these cupcakes look professionally decorated.
- **Peppermint Dusting:** For a festive twist, crush some peppermint candies and sprinkle them over the frosting.
- **Cinnamon Dusting:** A light dusting of ground cinnamon can enhance the warm spice notes already in the cupcake.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
To enjoy these delicious cupcakes for longer, follow these storage recommendations:
- **Unfrosted Cupcakes:** Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
- **Frosted Cupcakes:** Once frosted, store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The marshmallow frosting is best enjoyed fresh, but it will hold up well. If your kitchen is very warm, consider refrigerating them.
- **Marshmallow Frosting:** Leftover frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip briefly with a hand mixer before using, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
While this recipe isn’t specifically formulated as gluten-free, you can often substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Results may vary slightly in texture, but many bakers have success with this substitution.
What kind of cocoa powder should I use?
We recommend using unsweetened natural cocoa powder for a classic rich chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa powder can also be used, which will result in a darker color and a slightly milder, less acidic chocolate taste. Avoid hot chocolate mix as a substitute for cocoa powder, as it contains sugar and other ingredients that will throw off the recipe’s balance.
My frosting is too sticky/runny. What did I do wrong?
Marshmallow fluff can be quite sticky by nature. If your frosting is too sticky, ensure your butter was softened but not melted. If it’s too runny, you might need to add a bit more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too stiff, add a tiny bit more heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon at a time.
Can I toast the marshmallow frosting?
Yes, absolutely! For an authentic toasted marshmallow experience, you can gently toast the frosting with a kitchen torch just before serving. Be very careful and watch it closely as it browns quickly!
How far in advance can I make these cupcakes?
The cupcakes can be baked up to a day in advance and stored unfrosted. The frosting is best made fresh and applied shortly before serving, but it can be made a few hours ahead and stored at room temperature.
More Delicious Hot Chocolate & Dessert Recipes
If you loved these hot chocolate cupcakes, you’re in for a treat! We have a delightful collection of recipes that will satisfy your sweet cravings and warm your soul. Dive into our other popular creations:
- A Collection of Hot Chocolate Recipes: Explore various flavors and styles of this beloved drink.
- Crockpot Hot Chocolate: Perfect for serving a crowd with minimal effort.
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: A delightful blend of chocolate with a hint of spice.
- White Hot Chocolate: A creamy, luxurious alternative to traditional hot chocolate.
- Copy Cat Recipes: Recreate your favorite restaurant dishes at home.
- Decadent Dessert Recipes: Indulge in more sweet creations for every occasion.
- Effortless Crock Pot Recipes: Simplify your meal prep with these easy slow cooker dishes.
We hope you enjoy baking and devouring these amazing hot chocolate cupcakes as much as we do. They truly embody the comforting warmth of hot chocolate in a delightful dessert form. Whether you’re celebrating a special day or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Don’t forget to share your creations with us!
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