Snuggle Up With These Heartwarming Hot Cocoa Cupcakes Recipe

Chocolate dreams melt into these delightful hot cocoa cupcakes that capture winter’s warmth in every single bite.

Sweet memories of cold evenings dance through this rich, comforting dessert.

Marshmallow-topped and decadent, these treats bring a nostalgic twist to traditional cupcake recipes.

Soft, fluffy cake layers blend perfectly with deep cocoa notes that remind you of steaming mugs on chilly nights.

Each cupcake tells a story of comfort and indulgence, promising a delectable escape from ordinary desserts.

The subtle hint of cinnamon adds depth to these irresistible little cakes.

You’ll want to savor every crumb of this magical winter-inspired confection.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 215 kcal

Servings: 12

What You’ll Need for Hot Cocoa Cupcakes

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and creates tender, fluffy cupcake base with soft crumb.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich, intense chocolate flavor and deep brown color to cupcakes.
• Baking Powder: Helps cupcakes rise and creates light, airy texture.
• Baking Soda: Neutralizes acidic ingredients and supports even rising.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Adds richness, moisture, and creates smooth, creamy cupcake texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps create golden-brown exterior.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients, provide structure, and contribute to soft consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create tender crumb.
• Hot Water/Coffee: Intensifies chocolate flavor and improves cake's moisture.

• Egg Whites: Creates fluffy, cloud-like frosting texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes meringue-style frosting.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes egg whites and prevents sugar crystallization.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle, complementary flavor to marshmallow frosting.

• Mini Marshmallows: Provides playful, sweet topping.
• Chocolate Curls: Adds elegant, decorative chocolate element.
• Cocoa Powder: Creates sophisticated, rustic finishing touch.

Tools for Whipping Up Hot Cocoa Cupcakes Easily

• Stand Mixer: Essential for whipping marshmallow frosting to perfect glossy peaks.
• Whisk Attachment: Crucial for creating fluffy, stiff marshmallow frosting.
• Heatproof Bowl: Needed for heating egg white mixture over simmering water.
• 12-Cup Muffin Tin: Standard pan for baking cupcakes evenly.
• Cupcake Liners: Prevents sticking and makes serving easy.
• Medium Bowl: Used for mixing dry ingredients.
• Large Bowl: Combines wet ingredients for cupcake batter.
• Wire Rack: Allows cupcakes to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Sifter: Ensures smooth, lump-free dry ingredients.
• Piping Bag (optional): Helps create beautiful frosting design.
• Toothpick: Checks cupcake doneness by testing center.

Bake Hot Cocoa Cupcakes with Marshmallow Tops

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350F and grab your muffin tin. Tuck some cute paper liners into each cup.

• Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, cocoa, and other dry stuff in a bowl. Make sure everything is blended smoothly.

• Create Creamy Base

Cream the butter and sugar until they’re super fluffy. Crack in the eggs one by one, stirring after each. Splash in some vanilla for extra.

• Combine Wet and Dry

Gently fold the dry mix and milk into your buttery batter. Pour in hot water to make everything silky and smooth.

• Bake to Perfection

Fill each liner about two-thirds full with batter. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check with a toothpick – it should come out clean.

• Whip Up Marshmallow Cloud Frosting

Combine egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar in a bowl over simmering water. Whisk until warm and smooth. Then beat on high speed until the frosting looks like fluffy clouds.

• Decorate and Delight

Once cupcakes are cool, pile on the marshmallow frosting. Sprinkle with mini marshmallows or dust with cocoa for a dreamy finish.

Tips for Rich Chocolate Flavor in Cupcakes

• Toast the marshmallow frosting with a kitchen torch for a campfire-like flavor and golden-brown finish that adds delightful depth to the cupcakes.
• Bake the cupcake bases up to two days in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature to save time on party day.
• Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make these cupcakes celiac-friendly without sacrificing rich chocolate taste.
• Replace butter with coconut oil and use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk to create a delicious dairy-free version that's equally indulgent.

Serve Hot Cocoa Cupcakes Warm with a Cup of Cocoa

• Cozy Campfire Companion: Serve these cupcakes alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa during chilly evenings, creating a nostalgic winter treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream Plate: Arrange cupcakes on a rustic wooden board with scattered mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an Instagram-worthy dessert presentation.
• Festive Winter Gathering Centerpiece: Create a stunning dessert display by varying the height of cupcakes using cake stands or tiered platters, garnishing with cinnamon sticks or peppermint candy canes for extra holiday flair.
• Comforting Dessert Pairing: Complement these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the rich chocolate and marshmallow flavors, making each bite a delightful winter indulgence.

Store These Cupcakes in an Airtight Container

• Keep frosted cupcakes in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover them gently with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature before adding marshmallow frosting.
• Plain cupcakes can sit at room temperature for 1-2 days in a covered container. Ensure the spot is cool and away from direct sunlight to maintain their soft texture.
• Remove cupcakes from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. This allows the marshmallow frosting to soften and brings out the rich chocolate flavor, creating a delightful taste experience.

FAQs

• What makes the marshmallow frosting different from regular frosting?

Marshmallow frosting is made by heating egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar over simmering water, then whipping them to create a light, glossy, and fluffy topping that mimics the texture of marshmallows.

• Can I make these cupcakes without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer or even whisk the marshmallow frosting by hand, though it will require more effort and time to achieve the right consistency.

• Is it necessary to use hot water or coffee in the cupcake batter?

Hot water or coffee helps enhance the chocolate flavor and creates a more moist and tender cupcake, but you can substitute with room temperature water if needed.

• How do I know when the cupcakes are fully 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 baking.

Cozy Hot Cocoa Cupcakes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 34 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Warm Hot Cocoa Cupcakes bring winter’s comfort to dessert lovers with rich chocolate flavor. Homemade marshmallow frosting crowns these delightful treats, offering comfort in each delectable bite you’ll savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) hot water or brewed coffee
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
• ½ cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp cream of tartar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Mini marshmallows
• Shaved chocolate or chocolate curls
• Dusting of cocoa powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Dry Ingredient Composition: Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl, ensuring smooth, lump-free mixture.
3. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then integrate eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor depth.
4. Batter Development: Alternately fold dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, creating a silky, well-incorporated batter. Gently stir in hot water or coffee to achieve perfect consistency.
5. Baking Process: Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full with batter and bake for 18-20 minutes. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
6. Cooling and Resting: Remove cupcakes from oven and transfer to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling before frosting.
7. Marshmallow Frosting Creation: Combine egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar in a heatproof bowl. Place over simmering water, whisking until sugar dissolves and mixture reaches 160°F.
8. Frosting Refinement: Transfer mixture to stand mixer, whip on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form. Blend in vanilla extract for final flavor enhancement.
9. Decoration and Finishing: Generously pipe or spread marshmallow frosting over cooled cupcakes. Garnish with mini marshmallows, chocolate curls, or a delicate cocoa powder dusting for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use exact measurements for consistent texture and taste, especially with cocoa powder and flour.
• Control Water Temperature: Add hot water or coffee gradually to prevent batter from becoming too thin or developing uneven consistency.
• Check Oven Calibration: Verify actual oven temperature with a separate thermometer to ensure accurate baking and prevent over or undercooking.
• Manage Marshmallow Frosting Stability: Whip egg whites to stiff peaks carefully, watching temperature to maintain perfect glossy texture without deflating.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 218
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 57 mg