Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Hot chocolate cupcakes are everything you love about a cozy winter drink—wrapped up in a rich, decadent dessert.
If you’ve ever wished you could turn your favorite mug of hot cocoa into something you can sink your teeth into, this cupcake recipe delivers exactly that.
These soft, chocolatey cupcakes are topped with creamy frosting and a hint of marshmallow sweetness—perfect for cold nights, holiday gatherings, or simply treating yourself.
How to Make Hot Cocoa Cupcakes
Print out the full recipe below to get all the ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions for making these irresistible cupcakes.
- Start by combining chocolate cake mix, hot chocolate mix, eggs, sour cream, milk, and oil to create a rich, smooth batter.
- Spoon it into lined cupcake tins and bake at 350°F for about 18–20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cupcakes cool, prepare a fluffy marshmallow buttercream by beating together butter, marshmallow fluff, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe on the frosting and top with mini marshmallows for a cozy, hot cocoa-inspired treat.
- Add a garnish like a sprinkle of crushed peppermint, chocolate shavings, or drizzle with chocolate syrup for a festive touch.
Yes! Bake and store them unfrosted in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or freeze for up to a month. Frost before serving.
Yes! Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
2Pack Silicone Muffin Pan for Baking with Metal Reinforced Frame, 12 Cup Regular Size Cupcake Pan, BPA Free Silicone Muffin Tray, Cupcake Baking Pan Molds for Oven Dishwasher SafeCaperci 225pcs Parchment Cupcake Liners – Standard Muffin Cups Liners for Baking, Parchment Paper Cupcake Wrappers with Excellent Greaseproof, Balanced Non-Stick & Non-Slip, Food Grade (Natural)
Ghirardelli Chocolate Premium Indulgence Hot Cocoa Mix, 32 Ounce Package
Craving something sweet or planning a festive dessert recipe? Check out these great ideas that will make your baking easier and more delicious!
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- Whether your cake cracked or your cookies burned, this baking troubleshooting guide has all the fixes you need.
Hot Chocolate Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- ½ cup hot chocolate powder mix
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup sour cream or plain greek yogurt
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup canola oil
For the Frosting:
- 7 oz marshmallow fluff
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, mix your cupcake ingredients together for about 2 minutes.
- Spoon .your cupcake batter into your muffin tin, about 2 tablespoons for each.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Make the frosting while your hot chocolate cupcakes cool.
- In a large bowl, mix together your butter and vanilla.
- Mix in the marshmallow fluff
- Add the powdered sugar in about 1/2 cup at a time and mix until your frosting is combined, thick and fluffy.
- Frost your cupcakes.
- Decorate your hot chocolate cupcakes as desired.
These look so fun. I can’t wait to try out this recipe.
These cupcakes are adorable. Love that I can use a box cake mix to make them. These would be perfect to serve after an outdoor Christmas activity.