Description
Craving a cozy dessert that brings winter magic to life? These Hot Cocoa Cupcakes are the perfect cold-weather treat. Moist, rich chocolate cupcakes meet fluffy cocoa buttercream, all topped with a mini marshmallow to recreate your favorite seasonal drink—now in dessert form. Whether you’re looking for holiday baking ideas, an easy recipe for festive gatherings, or a warm, chocolatey indulgence, this quick dessert delivers. Perfect for those exploring easy dinner ideas with dessert finishes, sweet food ideas for parties, or simply a creative twist on classic cupcakes.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup hot water or brewed coffee
1 cup unsalted butter
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Mini marshmallows
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat both sugars and oil. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
4. Alternate adding dry mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Slowly add hot water or coffee. Stir gently; batter will be thin.
6. Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full. Bake for 18-22 minutes. Cool completely.
7. For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Add cocoa, then powdered sugar gradually.
8. Add cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
9. Pipe frosting on cooled cupcakes. Top with a marshmallow.
10. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Use hot coffee instead of water for deeper chocolate flavor.
Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
Store in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg