Indulgent & Dreamy Hot Chocolate Cupcakes: A Cozy Winter Delight

These Hot Chocolate Cupcakes are the ultimate cozy treat! Featuring a rich chocolate cake infused with hot cocoa, a luscious two-toned buttercream, and gooey ganache filling, each bite is like sipping on your favorite winter drink. Topped with marshmallows for a whimsical touch, they’re perfect for any occasion that calls for sweetness and warmth!

Quick history of hot chocolate

Hot chocolate has a long and interesting history that goes back more than 2,500 years. At first, the ancient Maya made a chocolate drink by mixing ground cacao beans with water, chili peppers, and spices. This drink wasn’t sweet but bitter, and it was very special. For example, they used it in important ceremonies and only the wealthy or powerful people got to enjoy it.

Later, the Aztecs started making their own version of the drink, which they called "xocoatl." They believed it gave them energy and helped heal illnesses. One story says Emperor Montezuma drank it every day because he thought it made him strong.

When Spanish explorers brought cacao to Europe in the 1500s, they added sugar and cinnamon to make the drink sweet and tasty. Because of this, hot chocolate became very popular among rich people in Europe, and it was seen as a fancy treat.

Over time, hot chocolate changed into the creamy, sweet drink we love today. Now, people all over the world enjoy it in many ways, from simple cups of cocoa to fancy versions with whipped cream and marshmallows.

Why You’ll Love These Cozy Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

• Rich Chocolate Flavor – These cupcakes are packed with the comforting taste of hot chocolate, making each bite a warm, chocolatey delight that will satisfy your sweet cravings.

• Decadent Frosting – With a smooth, creamy buttercream frosting made from both milk and white chocolate, topped with gooey ganache and marshmallows, these cupcakes offer layers of irresistible texture and flavor.

• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it's a cozy winter afternoon or a special gathering, these hot chocolate cupcakes are sure to bring smiles and warmth to your table, making them the perfect treat for any time of year.

Equipment You’ll Need for Black and White Cookies

Mixing Bowls: https://amzn.to/40hhqgR

Electric Mixer: https://amzn.to/3DHdAEU OR Stand Mixer: https://amzn.to/4fADZ4s

Cupcake pan https://amzn.to/40iw9bs

Cupcake Liners https://amzn.to/40ka6B2

Cookie Scoop or Ice Cream Scoop: https://amzn.to/3PxD7mM (favorite brand!)

Piping bags and Icing Tips https://amzn.to/4iZkupc

You may also want to try my German Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 ¾ cups + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• ⅔ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup water
• 2 eggs (room temperature, if possible)
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups hot chocolate (should be hot; use milk, not water, if making your own)

Buttercream:

• 1 1/3 cups soft unsalted butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 3.5 oz milk chocolate (melted and cooled)
• 3–4 tablespoons whole milk

Ganache:

• 1/4 c heavy cream
• ½ c dark chocolate
• 12 marshmallows

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cupcakes:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line a cupcake pan with liners, ensuring each liner is seated properly. If desired, lightly spray the liners with non-stick spray to prevent any sticking and make peeling easier after baking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure there are no lumps for an even batter.

3. Combine Oil and Water:
   Gradually stir in the oil and water to the dry ingredients. Mix until the texture is smooth and free of dry streaks.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating the batter well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of warmth and aroma.

5. Incorporate Hot Chocolate:
   Slowly pour in the hot chocolate, stirring continuously. Mix until the batter is smooth and fully combined with no streaks. The hot chocolate should make the batter rich and creamy.

6. Fill the Liners:
   Carefully spoon or pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full to allow room for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing.

7. Bake:
   Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready.

8. Cool Completely:
   Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before adding frosting.

Frosting:

Buttercream:

1. Whip the Butter:
   In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes. This step helps create a fluffy and airy base for the buttercream.

2. Add Powdered Sugar Gradually:
   Add half of the powdered sugar to the whipped butter, mixing on low speed until combined. Then, add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.

3. Incorporate Milk Chocolate:
   Mix in the melted and cooled milk chocolate to half of the buttercream. Add 1 tablespoon of milk and beat until fully combined and smooth. Repeat the process for the other half of the buttercream using white chocolate.

Ganache:

1. Prepare the Ganache:
   Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan or microwave until it begins to steam, but do not let it boil. Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate.

2. Mix Until Smooth:
   Let the mixture sit for 1 minute to soften the chocolate, then stir until the ganache is smooth, shiny, and fully blended. Let it cool slightly before using.

Assemble:

1. Fill the Cupcakes:
   Use a small knife or cupcake corer to cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake. Spoon or pipe the ganache into the holes, filling them to the top.

2. Pipe the Buttercream:
   Fit a piping bag with your favorite tip and fill it with the buttercream. Pipe generous swirls of frosting on top of each cupcake.

3. Add Marshmallows:
   Top each frosted cupcake with marshmallows to mimic the look of hot chocolate. For added flair, toast the marshmallows lightly with a kitchen torch if desired.

The Perfect Balance of Flavor and History

In conclusion, hot chocolate has a fascinating history that goes back thousands of years, starting with the ancient Maya and Aztecs. Over time, it transformed from a bitter drink to the sweet, creamy treat we love today. Whether you're enjoying it as a classic cup of hot cocoa or in the form of these delicious hot chocolate cupcakes, it’s the perfect way to add warmth and comfort to any day. So go ahead, indulge in this timeless treat—whether it's in a mug or a cupcake, you can’t go wrong with the cozy charm of hot chocolate!