Snuggle Up with Cozy Hot Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

Chocolatey winter nights call for delightful hot chocolate cupcakes that melt hearts with their rich, comforting flavor.

These decadent treats blend the warmth of classic hot chocolate into a perfect cupcake recipe.

Soft, moist crumbs hint at the indulgent experience waiting in each bite.

Creamy chocolate frosting tops these delectable little cakes, creating a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Sprinkle marshmallow bits or a dusting of cocoa powder for extra charm.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet impressive recipe.

Prepare to savor a sweet escape that transforms an ordinary evening into a cozy celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 12

Hot Chocolate Cupcake Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates tender cupcake structure with smooth, delicate crumb.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich, deep chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create soft, moist texture.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light, fluffy rise and airy consistency.
• Baking Soda: Helps batter achieve balanced pH and supports even browning.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation with luxurious mouthfeel.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to structure.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create smooth batter consistency.
• Sour Cream: Brings tangy flavor and extra tenderness to cupcakes.
• Vanilla Extract: Amplifies chocolate notes and adds aromatic depth.

• Hot Water: Thins batter and intensifies chocolate experience.
• Hot Chocolate: Alternative liquid that boosts chocolate intensity.
• Whipped Cream: Light, cloud-like topping for elegant finish.
• Mini Marshmallows: Playful garnish that adds whimsical touch.
• Cocoa Powder: Optional dusting for sophisticated presentation.

Tools That Make These Cupcakes Fluffy and Fun

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients and creating smooth batter.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for whisking dry ingredients together.
• Muffin tin: Essential for shaping and baking cupcakes.
• Cupcake liners: Prevents sticking and makes cupcakes easy to remove.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Toothpick: Helps check cupcake doneness by testing center.
• Wire rack: Allows cupcakes to cool evenly on all sides.

How to Bake Hot Chocolate Cupcakes at Home

• Fire Up the Oven Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and grab your muffin tin. Line those little cups with cute paper liners that'll make your cupcakes look totally adorable.
• Create Your Dry Blend Toss all your dry ingredients into a bowl – flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and otheral powder components. Give them a quick whirl with a whisk to make sure everything's mixed perfectly.
• Whip Together Wet In a separate large bowl, blend melted butter, eggs, milk, sour cream, and vanilla until they're dancing together smoothly. Pour your dry ingredient mixture into this liquid wonderland and stir gently. No aggressive mixing allowed – we want fluffy cupcakes!
• Add Liquid Charm Slowly pour in hot water or hot chocolate, stirring softly. Watch your batter transform into a silky, dreamy consistency that promises deliciousness.
• Bake to Perfection Carefully fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full. Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Your cupcake is done when a toothpick comes out clean – no sticky batter residue!
• Cool and Decorate Let cupcakes rest in the pan for a quick five minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack, then crown them with fluffy whipped cream. Sprinkle mini marshmallows or dust with cocoa powder for that final touch of sweet.

Add Flavor Layers with Marshmallow or Mint

• Top cupcakes with a toasted marshmallow for an extra campfire-like indulgence, using a kitchen torch for a golden-brown finish.
• Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make these cupcakes safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Replace milk and sour cream with coconut milk or almond milk alternatives for a lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on richness.
• Experiment with different hot chocolate mixes or add a dash of cinnamon, peppermint extract, or orange zest to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic hot chocolate taste.

Store Cupcakes for Perfect Texture Tomorrow

• Let cupcakes rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain their delightful texture.
• Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
• Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay tasty for 2-3 weeks when frozen.
• Keep unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container at room temperature for 2 days, ensuring maximum moisture and soft crumb quality.

FAQs

• Why do I need to add hot water to the batter?

The hot water helps create a lighter, more tender texture in the cupcakes and enhances the rich chocolate flavor by activating the cocoa powder more deeply.

• Can I use a different type of milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the milk with alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or even buttermilk, which will slightly change the flavor and texture of the cupcakes.

• How do I know when the cupcakes are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake – if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cupcakes are done. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist and tender.

• What makes these cupcakes different from regular chocolate cupcakes?

The addition of hot water and sour cream creates a uniquely moist and rich chocolate cupcake that mimics the comforting flavor of hot chocolate.

Serve These Cupcakes for Cozy Nights In

• Cozy Cocoa Companions: Pair these cupcakes with a steaming mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort dessert experience.
• Marshmallow: Torch the mini marshmallow topping for a golden, crispy exterior that adds a delightful campfire-like flavor to the cupcakes.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle chocolate shavings over the whipped cream for an extra decadent touch that will make chocolate enthusiasts swoon.
• Winter Wonderland Plating: Dust the cupcakes with powdered sugar to create a snowy effect, perfect for holiday gatherings or winter-themed parties.

Cozy Hot Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Indulgent hot chocolate cupcakes bring winter’s warmth to dessert tables with rich chocolate flavor and marshmallow frosting. Chocolate lovers will savor these sweet treats that combine comfort and elegance in each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• ¼ cup (60 ml) hot water
• 2 cups (200 grams) mini marshmallows
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 12 tbsps milk (as needed for consistency)
• Cocoa powder or grated chocolate (optional)
• Mini marshmallows or chocolate sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, creating a warm and inviting baking atmosphere.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until completely smooth and lump-free.
3. Wet Ingredient Harmony: In a larger bowl, thoroughly combine melted butter, eggs, milk, sour cream, and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture reaches a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Batter Creation: Delicately fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring with a gentle touch to prevent overmixing and maintain a light, airy texture.
5. Liquid Enhancement: Incorporate hot water or hot chocolate into the batter, stirring carefully until the mixture transforms into a smooth, pourable consistency.
6. Baking Process: Carefully fill cupcake liners two-thirds full, then place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should come out clean.
7. Cooling and Finishing: Allow cupcakes to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before adorning with a luxurious swirl of whipped cream, topped with mini marshmallows or a delicate cocoa powder dusting.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir ingredients gently to maintain a light, fluffy texture and avoid dense, tough cupcakes.
• Temperature Matters: Use room temperature eggs and milk for smoother batter integration and more consistent baking results.
• Moisture Control: Add hot water or hot chocolate gradually to achieve the perfect batter consistency without making it too runny.
• Customize Toppings: Experiment with alternative garnishes like chocolate shavings, caramel drizzle, or crushed peppermint for unique flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg