Hot Chocolate Cupcakes with Melty Marshmallow Center and Peppermint Sprinkles Recipe

If you are ready to dive into a dessert that perfectly captures the cozy warmth of winter wrapped in a delightful treat, then this Hot Chocolate Cupcakes with Melty Marshmallow Center and Peppermint Sprinkles Recipe is exactly what you need. These cupcakes boast a rich, moist chocolate base with a surprise marshmallow center that melts just right, creating a gooey, luscious core. Topped off with a creamy cocoa frosting, mini chocolate chips, and festive peppermint sprinkles, each bite feels like a warm hug with a festive twist. It’s a dessert that’s not only irresistible but also wonderfully fun to make and share with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple and straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the chocolatey richness to the fluffy, melty marshmallow surprise and the festive crunch of peppermint sprinkles, every component adds something special.

• Chocolate Devil’s Food Cake Mix: The foundation of our cupcakes, bringing deep chocolate flavor and a tender crumb.
• Chocolate Instant Pudding (3.9 oz box): Adds extra moisture and richness to the batter for cupcakes that stay soft.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help everything come together beautifully.
• Water: Keeps the batter smooth and helps blend ingredients evenly.
• Canola Oil: For moist, tender cupcakes that stay fresh longer.
• Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips (12 oz bag): Melts into pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the cupcakes.
• Large Marshmallows: The secret star that creates the melty marshmallow center everyone will love.
• Peppermint Crunch Sprinkles or Holiday Sprinkles: Add festive color and a refreshing peppermint punch.
• Mini Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup): For filling the marshmallow nook with extra chocolaty goodness.
• Holiday Straws: Fun festive touches that make presentation pop.
• Powdered Sugar (3 cups): The base for the smooth, sweet frosting that tops the cupcakes.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (2/3 cup): Adds a rich, dark chocolate flavor to the frosting.
• Water (1/2 cup): Used in the frosting to achieve the perfect consistency.
• Pure Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Brings warmth and depth to the frosting.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cupcakes with Melty Marshmallow Center and Peppermint Sprinkles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, and line your cupcake pan with liners. This simple prep step ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and come out cleanly for easy decorating later on.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, instant pudding, eggs, water, and canola oil using a stand mixer or hand mixer. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly is crucial to develop a smooth, luscious batter that promises moist cupcakes loaded with chocolate goodness.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate Chips

Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently but thoroughly. These chips melt partly during baking, creating little pockets of chocolate that add decadent texture and flavor to every bite.

Step 4: Fill Your Cupcake Liners

Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, fill each cupcake liner about three-quarters full with the batter. This ensures enough room for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing and perfect size to hold the marshmallow center later.

Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes

Place the filled cupcake pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. The cupcakes should rise beautifully and become set but still moist inside.

Step 6: Insert Marshmallows

Remove the cupcakes from the oven and immediately place one large marshmallow in the center of each cupcake. You can twist the marshmallow slightly to help it nestle nicely into the warm cupcake.

Step 7: Return to Oven to Melt Marshmallows

Pop the cupcakes back into the oven for an additional 2 minutes. This step lets the marshmallow melt slightly, creating that melty center which is the highlight of this Hot Chocolate Cupcakes with Melty Marshmallow Center and Peppermint Sprinkles Recipe.

Step 8: Press the Marshmallows Down

Take the cupcakes out again and press the marshmallows gently downward. This helps the melted marshmallow fill any gaps inside the cupcake, guaranteeing gooeyness in every bite.

Step 9: Cool Your Cupcakes

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is essential to frost the cupcakes without melting the frosting away.

Step 10: Make the Frosting

While the cupcakes are cooling, mix together powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, water, and vanilla extract. Whisk until you have a smooth, spreadable frosting that is perfectly chocolatey and sweet.

Step 11: Fill the Marshmallow Indentation

Drop mini chocolate chips right into the marshmallow nook to create a rich little chocolate pool. This makes the surprise center even more indulgent and appealing.

Step 12: Frost the Cupcakes

Cover the mini chocolate chips with a generous layer of your cocoa frosting. The creamy frosting pairs beautifully with the chewy marshmallow and rich cake.

Step 13: Add Marshmallow Halves and Sprinkles

Slice large marshmallows in half and place a half on top of each cupcake. Drizzle a little more frosting over the marshmallows and finish with a sprinkle of peppermint crunch or holiday sprinkles for that perfect festive touch.

Step 14: Add Festive Holiday Straws

Cut holiday straws into thirds and insert one into each cupcake, giving your cupcakes a charming, holiday-inspired presentation that will delight guests and family alike.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cupcakes with Melty Marshmallow Center and Peppermint Sprinkles Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance the visual and flavor appeal of these cupcakes by adding extra peppermint sprinkles or crushed candy canes on top. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also evoke a snowy winter scene that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

Side Dishes

Serve these cupcakes alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or peppermint-infused coffee for a cozy duo that will satisfy any sweet tooth and nourish your holiday spirit. Fresh berries can add a refreshing balance to the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider arranging the cupcakes on a festive tiered stand or decorating the plate with extra marshmallows, chocolate curls, and peppermint sticks. Wrapping each cupcake in cellophane tied with a colorful ribbon transforms these treats into perfect edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep the cake moist and the marshmallow center soft and delicious. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the cupcakes.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then stored in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before adding the frosting and final touches to retain that freshly baked taste and texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your cupcakes warm with that melty marshmallow effect, microwave a cupcake for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat to avoid melting the frosting too much, but just enough to revive that comforting, gooey center.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake batter instead of cake mix?

Absolutely! While the cake mix makes this recipe quick and foolproof, a homemade chocolate cake batter can definitely be used and will taste fantastic. Just make sure it’s a moist recipe that can support the marshmallow center without collapsing.

What if I don’t have peppermint sprinkles—can I substitute?

Yes! You can swap peppermint sprinkles for crushed candy canes, colored sugar crystals, or any festive holiday sprinkles you prefer. The key is to add that extra sparkle and mild peppermint flavor that complements the rich chocolate.

Do I have to use large marshmallows for the center?

Large marshmallows work best because they create a noticeable gooey core. If you only have smaller marshmallows, try stacking two or more to achieve the same effect, but large marshmallows really make this recipe shine.

Can I make these cupcakes vegan or dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps—like vegan cake mix, dairy-free chocolate chips, and egg replacers—you can create a version that suits vegan or dairy-free diets. The marshmallow center may require specialty vegan marshmallows, so be sure to check labels.

Why do I press the marshmallow down after melting it?

Pressing the melted marshmallow down helps it spread and fill the cupcake’s center fully, creating that luscious, marshmallow goo throughout rather than just sitting on top. This step ensures every forkful has that delightful melty surprise.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Chocolate Cupcakes with Melty Marshmallow Center and Peppermint Sprinkles Recipe is truly a celebration of everything wonderful about chocolate and festive flavors combined in a single bite. Whether you’re treating your family, impressing friends at a holiday party, or simply indulging your own sweet tooth, these cupcakes deliver warmth, joy, and deliciousness with every mouthful. I cannot recommend making this recipe enough — it’s pure magic in cupcake form!

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