Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

You know Santa wants a cupcake instead of a cookie… join me to make these decadent cupcakes!

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

1 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 large egg

1 large egg yolk

3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) melted unsalted butter, cooled slightly

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon peppermint liquor

Icing

Crushed peppermints or pink or red sanding sugar

For the icing:

1 cup butter, softened

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

4 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

1 ½ teaspoon peppermint extract

Pink or red food coloring, optional

Preparation

For the cupcakes

Preheat oven to 375˚F. Line cupcake pans with liners. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.

In another bowl, whisk together the egg, egg yolk, melted butter, buttermilk, and peppermint liquor.

Whisk the liquid ingredients into the dry. Pipe or scoop the batter into the prepared pan 2/3rds full and bake in the oven for 20 minutes until the cupcake springs back when touched.

For the icing

Combine all ingredients in a mixer with a paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Spread on cupcakes and garnish with peppermints or sanding sugar.

View Recipe