I am way into the holiday season if only for the re-introduction of peppermint flavors into my everyday diet. I enjoy warm coffee in the morning with sweet peppermint mocha creamer as often as I can. I want peppermint in my refrigerator, in my air fresheners, in my food. Any chance that I have to add a little peppermint makes my day brighter. I can’t help myself! I look forward to peppermint everything this time of year—especially holiday recipes and desserts. Inspired by the flavors of Peppermint Mocha coffee creamer, these peppermint mocha cupcakes are fudgy with just the right amount of mint flavor.

These cupcakes are the perfect holiday treat! They are chocolatey and peppermint, with a rich mocha frosting. They will definitely get you in the holiday spirit!

What is peppermint mocha?

Peppermint mocha is a flavor combination of chocolate, peppermint, and coffee. It is a popular flavor for holiday drinks, and now you can enjoy it in cupcake form!

Best baking supplies for cupcakes

To make the perfect cupcake, you need the right supplies. Here are some items that will come in handy:

• Cupcake pan: This is the most important tool for making cupcakes. You will need a pan that is designed for baking cupcakes, not a regular cake pan. Cupcake pans usually have 12 wells, so you can bake a dozen cupcakes at a time.
• Cupcake liners: These are optional, but they make baking and cleanup a lot easier. Cupcake liners go in the pan before you add the batter, and then the baked cupcakes come out easily. You can find cupcake liners in any color or pattern you want.
• Piping bags and tips: If you want to get fancy with your frosting, you will need a piping bag and some tips. Piping bags are made of disposable plastic or reusable fabric, and they have a pointed end you can fit different tips into. Tips come in many shapes and sizes, so you can create many designs.
• Decorations: This is where you can get creative! There are many decorations that you can use to decorate your cupcakes. Sprinkles, candy, and edible glitter are all great options. Get creative and have fun!

How to Make Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes

To get started with baking your cupcakes, you will need a box of milk chocolate cupcake mix along with the ingredients needed on the back of the box. Instead of water, however, you will use brewed coffee that has cooled.

You will then need cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream vanilla, peppermint extract, and crushed candy canes or peppermint.

To get started, prepare the cupcake batter with the boxed cake mix.

Be sure that you substitute the water for brewed, cooled coffee.

Once the cupcakes are finished baking, allow them to cool completely before frosting.

To make the frosting, add the heavy whipping cream to a large bowl. Mix it in your stand mixer or with a handheld mixer until the heavy cream is whipped and thickens. This will take several minutes.

Set aside. In a separate bowl, mix together cream cheese and powdered sugar until incorporated together. Add vanilla, and peppermint extract, mix again until frosting forms together.

Stir in whipped cream mixture, gently mixing until incorporated. Use a piping bag and frosting tip to pipe the frosting onto each cupcake.

Top with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or peppermints. Because this frosting uses dairy, be sure to refrigerate leftover cupcakes.

How to frost a cupcake

Once your cupcakes are baked and cooled, it’s time to frost them. If you are using a piping bag, fit it with the tip of your choice and fill it with frosting. Hold the bag perpendicular to the cupcake, and pipe the frosting in a spiral from the outside in. Release the pressure and pull the tip away when you get to the center. If you are not using a piping bag, you can simply spread the frosting on with a knife or offset spatula.

Once the cupcakes are frosted, it’s time to decorate them! You can use any decorations you like. Sprinkles are always a good option, or you could try crushed candy or edible glitter. Get creative and have fun!

Don’t forget to pin this recipe! Looking for other holiday ideas? Don’t miss my seasonal Christmas page.

Other Ideas For Christmas cupcakes?

• Chocolate cupcakes with peppermint frosting
• Red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting
• Coconut cupcakes with rum flavored frosting
• Pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting
• Lemon cupcakes with lemon curd filling and buttercream frosting
• Orange cupcakes with Grand Marnier flavored frosting
• Almond cupcakes with amaretto flavored buttercream frosting
• Chocolate chip cupcakes with chocolate ganache frosting

What’s your favorite kind of cupcake?

Christmas Recipes:

• Christmas Tree Pancakes
• Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls | Easy Christmas Breakfast Ideas
• Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

The post Holiday Recipes: Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes appeared first on Sunny Sweet Days.