White Chocolate peppermint hot chocolate cookies-for-a-festive-treat/”>festive peppermint swirl cookies Just thinking about it invokes a whirlwind of festive joy and sugar-induced happiness. Christmas fruitcake cookies.
These cupcakes are perfect for celebrating the season or simply elevating a Tuesday afternoon. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday party or enjoying them on a cozy night in, the combination of sweet white chocolate and invigorating peppermint will leave you and your loved ones grinning from ear to ear.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cupcakes are easy to prepare, ensuring that even novice bakers can join in on the fun
- Their flavor profile balances sweetness with minty freshness, creating a festive experience
- Visually, they are stunning with their snowy white frosting and peppermint candy garnish
- They’re also versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, not just during the holidays
I remember the first time I made these White Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes for my family’s holiday gathering—let’s just say they disappeared faster than I could say “more frosting, please!” creme brulee cheesecake cupcakes.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better texture; it provides the perfect structure for these fluffy cupcakes.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener is essential for balancing flavors; it helps create that delightful cupcake sweetness.
- Baking Powder: Make sure it’s fresh! This leavening agent creates a light texture that keeps cupcakes airy.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all other flavors; don’t skip it!
- Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter makes mixing easier and gives a rich flavor to the cupcakes.
- Eggs: Use large eggs for best results; they help bind ingredients together nicely.
- Milk: Whole milk adds moisture; you can substitute buttermilk if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract brings warmth to the flavor profile.
- White Chocolate Chips: Choose quality chips for melting goodness throughout the batter; they add richness.
- Peppermint Extract: A few drops go a long way in delivering that iconic minty flavor without overpowering.
- Candy Canes (for garnish): Crush them up for a festive touch on top of your frosted cupcakes!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with colorful liners—this is where the magic begins!
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. This aerates the mixture and ensures even rising.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. The mixture should look pale and creamy—like clouds on a sunny day.
Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract : Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated; you’ll notice how luscious it becomes.
Add Dry Ingredients Gradually : Slowly mix in your flour mixture alternating with milk until just combined. Do not overmix; think gentle folding rather than aggressive stirring!
Add White Chocolate Chips and Peppermint Extract : Fold in melted white chocolate chips and peppermint extract gently into your batter. You want those delicious pockets of chocolate throughout each bite!
Fill Cupcake Liners : Pour batter into prepared cupcake liners about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let these beauties cool completely before frosting them with dreamy peppermint frosting topped with crushed candy cane sprinkles!
Now that you’re armed with this delightful recipe for White Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes, get ready to impress your friends and family! Each bite is sure to bring smiles—and maybe even some happy dance moves in your kitchen! For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Orange Custard Squares recipe.
You Must Know
- White Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes are a delightful holiday treat that combines rich flavors and festive cheer
- The aroma of peppermint wafting through your kitchen will make you feel like Santa’s little helper
- Perfect for parties, they’re sure to impress everyone at your gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time. Mix in dry ingredients gradually, ensuring a smooth batter. This sequence prevents lumps and helps aerate the mixture for light, fluffy cupcakes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap white chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer flavor or add crushed candy canes for extra crunch. You can also play with the frosting by using cream cheese instead of buttercream for a tangy twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a container for up to three months.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For moist cupcakes, avoid over-mixing the batter after adding flour; mix just until combined
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
- Use high-quality white chocolate for better flavor; it makes all the difference in taste!
Nothing warms my heart more than seeing friends’ eyes light up when they bite into these cupcakes. I still remember the first batch I made—they vanished before I could even get one myself!
FAQ
How do I know when my cupcakes are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with crumbs.
Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! Vanilla or almond extract can also create delicious variations.
What can I do if my frosting is too runny?
Add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Delightful White Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 cupcakes 1x
Description
Experience the ultimate festive treat with these White Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes. Moist and fluffy, each bite offers a delightful blend of creamy white chocolate and refreshing peppermint. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, these cupcakes will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips (melted)
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients alternating with milk until just combined.
- Fold in melted white chocolate chips and peppermint extract.
- Pour batter into liners about two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: For added crunch, incorporate crushed candy canes into the batter or use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor profile. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for later enjoyment.
