Delicious hot chocolate cupcakes topped with chocolate frosting and marshmallows.

Why Make This Recipe

Hot Chocolate Cupcakes are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the cozy flavors of hot chocolate. These cupcakes combine the rich taste of chocolate with the sweetness of marshmallows, making them a delightful dessert for any occasion. Whether you want to brighten up a rainy day or impress friends and family at a gathering, these cupcakes are an easy and enjoyable way to share the warmth of chocolate goodness.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup boiling water
1 cup marshmallows (for topping)
1/2 cup heavy cream (for frosting)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat until well combined.
Carefully stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth.
Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool completely.
For the frosting, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold in marshmallows.
Frost the cooled cupcakes with the marshmallow frosting and add additional marshmallows on top for garnish.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Hot Chocolate Cupcakes can be served at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference. You might want to pair them with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a glass of milk for a truly comforting treat. They are great for holidays, birthday parties, or simply as a sweet snack at home.

How to Store Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

To keep your Hot Chocolate Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Make sure to let the cupcakes come back to room temperature before serving if stored in the fridge.

Tips to Make Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Ensure the butter is softened properly for easy mixing.
Don’t skip the boiling water; it helps to make the cupcakes moist.
Use mini marshmallows in the frosting for a fun texture.
For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder.

Variation

If you want to add a twist, you can include chocolate chips in the batter before baking. You could also try adding a peppermint extract for a refreshing flavor that’s great during the holidays.

FAQs

Can I use chocolate cake mix instead?
Yes, you can use a chocolate cake mix instead of making the batter from scratch. Just follow the instructions on the box.

Can I freeze Hot Chocolate Cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re fully cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use whipped topping or cream cheese as alternatives for the frosting, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.