Description
These Mint Chocolate Cupcakes combine rich, moist chocolate cake with a luscious, creamy mint frosting for a delightful dessert. Featuring a hint of freshly brewed coffee in the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor, these cupcakes are perfectly balanced with a refreshing mint twist in the frosting. Finished with optional chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips, they make an elegant and tasty treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cupcakes
- 1 cup all purpose flour (125 grams) (spooned and leveled)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (45 grams) (Dutch processed, sifted)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (60 ml) (canola oil works too)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (120 ml) (2% or whole milk)
- 1/3 cup freshly brewed coffee (80 ml) (or boiling water)
For the Mint Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams) (slightly softened but not starting to melt)
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar (330 - 400 grams) (sifted)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons whipping cream (30-45 ml) (or heavy cream)
- 1/2 - 2 teaspoons mint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
- Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips (for decorating, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cavity muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sifted cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensuring the cocoa powder is sifted helps remove any lumps and ensures an even batter.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Make batter: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Whisk gently until the batter is almost combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Add coffee: Slowly whisk in the freshly brewed coffee (or boiling water) until the batter is smooth, glossy, and thin with no lumps remaining.
- Fill muffin tins: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin liners, filling each about two-thirds full. You should yield around 12 to 13 cupcakes.
- Bake cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare frosting: Using a stand or handheld electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed until lightened in color and smooth in texture.
- Add sugar and flavor: Add 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon mint extract to the butter. Mix on low speed initially, then increase to medium speed until combined.
- Adjust frosting consistency: Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time, alternating with 1 tablespoon of whipping cream and additional mint extract as desired for flavor strength. Add green food coloring if using, to achieve a minty hue. For thicker frosting, use less cream and more powdered sugar.
- Frost cupcakes: Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting. Use a piping bag with a star tip or a knife to frost the cupcakes. Optionally, decorate with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for an extra touch of elegance.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, adjust the amount of mint extract gradually while mixing the frosting.
- The brewed coffee enhances the richness of the chocolate but can be substituted with boiling water if preferred.
- Use Dutch processed cocoa powder for a smoother, deeper chocolate flavor.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated up to 5 days. Frosting may firm up when chilled.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American