Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Wow, I just made Hot Chocolate Cupcakes. They smell so sweet! I really want to share them with you. These cupcakes taste like warm cocoa on a cold night. The frosting is super creamy. It’s like magic in each bite. I love how easy they are to bake. My kitchen smells like pure joy. I can’t wait to eat more! So, let’s make them together. Grab your bowl and spoon. I’ll show you how!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Rich: Each bite of these cupcakes is soft and chocolatey, like a cup of real hot chocolate.
• Simple to Make: Starting with a cake mix and pudding mix keeps this recipe beginner-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
• Marshmallow Frosting: A smooth, light topping that tastes like melted marshmallows floating on top of cocoa.
• Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday dessert or a cozy night in, these cupcakes are always a hit.
• Customizable: You can easily add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or shaved chocolate to make them extra special.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Bake Time:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Bake Time: 18–20 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour (including cooling and frosting time)

Servings:
This recipe makes 15 cupcakes — perfect for a small gathering or a week of treats. If you need more, you can double the recipe and bake in batches.

Difficulty:
Easy enough for beginners, but the flavor and presentation will impress any dessert lover.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make these Hot Chocolate Cupcakes, you’ll want to gather the following tools before starting:

• Mixing Bowls: For both the cupcake batter and frosting.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for smooth batter and whipped frosting.
• Muffin Pan (12-cup standard size): You’ll need this to bake your cupcakes.
• Cupcake Liners: Helps the cupcakes release easily from the pan.
• Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl.
• Ice Cream Scoop (optional): To evenly portion out cupcake batter.
• Piping Bag and Tip (optional): For neatly applying the marshmallow frosting.
• Offset Spatula or Butter Knife: Useful if you prefer to spread the frosting instead of piping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters for the perfect texture and taste.

Ingredients for Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these rich cupcakes. Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card at the end of this post.

For the Cupcakes:

• Chocolate Cake Mix (1 box): The base of your cupcakes—saves time and guarantees moisture.
• Instant Chocolate Fudge Pudding Mix (3.9 oz package): Adds extra richness and texture.
• Eggs (4 large): For structure and richness.
• Sour Cream (¾ cup): Keeps the cupcakes soft and adds a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
• Vegetable Oil (½ cup): Moisture for the cupcakes.
• Hot Chocolate or Chocolate Milk (¾ cup): Deepens the chocolate flavor—regular milk works in a pinch.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness.

For the Marshmallow Frosting:

• Marshmallow Creme (1 cup): The star of the frosting, light and fluffy.
• Powdered Sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Butter (½ cup, unsalted and softened): Adds richness and stability to the frosting.
• Heavy Cream or Milk (1–2 tablespoons): To adjust the frosting’s consistency.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Complements the marshmallow flavor.

Optional Toppings:

• Chocolate Sprinkles or Shaved Chocolate: For decoration.
• Mini Marshmallows: To reinforce the hot chocolate theme.

Variations for Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Want to give these cupcakes a personal twist? Here are a few simple ways to make them your own:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for melty chocolate pockets in every bite.
• Make Them Spicy: Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne for a Mexican hot chocolate vibe.
• Stuff with Marshmallow Creme: Scoop out a small portion of the baked cupcake centers and fill them with marshmallow fluff for a gooey surprise.
• Peppermint Twist: Add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract to the batter for a festive flavor, especially around the holidays.
• Top with Ganache: Instead of frosting, drizzle a simple chocolate ganache over each cupcake for an extra rich touch.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cupcakes — Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Since this recipe makes about 15 cupcakes, you’ll either bake in batches or use a second pan if available.

2. Mix the Cupcake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate fudge pudding mix
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup sour cream
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup hot chocolate or chocolate milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Mix the batter:

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed, beat the ingredients together until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is evenly mixed.

3. Fill the Cupcake Liners

Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to evenly divide the batter among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Avoid overfilling, as the batter will rise during baking.

4. Bake the Cupcakes

Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

5. Cool the Cupcakes

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting when applied.

How to Make Marshmallow Frosting — Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Beat the Butter

In a large mixing bowl, add ½ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature).
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes, until light and creamy. This step gives the frosting a smooth, airy texture.

2. Add Marshmallow Creme and Vanilla

Add 1 cup marshmallow creme and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the creamed butter.
Continue to beat on medium speed until fully combined and fluffy, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

3. Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually add 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, beating on low speed after each addition to prevent it from puffing out of the bowl.

Once all the sugar is added, increase to medium-high speed and beat until the frosting becomes thick and smooth.

4. Adjust the Consistency

If the frosting feels too stiff to pipe or spread easily, add 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk), one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to spread.

5. Ready to Frost

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip to frost the cupcakes.
If you prefer, use a spatula or butter knife to simply spread the frosting on top for a rustic look.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

These cupcakes are perfect for casual get-togethers, winter holidays, or as a cozy treat with a cup of real hot chocolate. Serve them on a dessert platter or cake stand for an elegant presentation.

Topping Ideas for Extra Fun:

• Chocolate Sprinkles or Shaved Chocolate: Sprinkle lightly over the frosting for a pretty and simple finish.
• Mini Marshmallows: Place a few on top of each cupcake to tie in the hot chocolate theme.
• Crushed Peppermint (Optional): Add a festive touch during winter months.
• Dusting of Cocoa Powder: A light sprinkle gives a café-style look.

Storing Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

How to Store

• Room Temperature:
  Once frosted, these cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, especially if the room is cool and dry.
• Refrigerator:
  For longer storage, place the cupcakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4–5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving so the frosting softens.
• Freezing (Without Frosting):
  If you want to make the cupcakes ahead of time, bake and cool them completely, then freeze (unfrosted) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Cupcakes: You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them unfrosted in an airtight container.
• Frosting: The marshmallow frosting can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before using, let it soften slightly and re-whip for a few seconds to bring back the fluffy texture.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown for one cupcake with frosting, based on a recipe yield of 15 cupcakes:

Nutrient	Amount per Cupcake
Calories	310 kcal
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	55mg
Sodium	270mg
Total Carbohydrates	38g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	27g
Protein	4g

Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredient brands used.

Hot Chocolate Cupcakes FAQs

1. Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a cake mix?

Yes! If you have a favorite homemade chocolate cupcake recipe, you can use it as the base and follow the same frosting and decoration steps.

2. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. The frosting can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days—just re-whip before using.

3. Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes, but freeze only the cupcakes without frosting for best results. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.

4. What if I don’t have marshmallow creme?

If you don’t have marshmallow creme, you can melt 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows with 1 tablespoon butter in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly before mixing into the frosting.

5. Can I make mini cupcakes instead?

Yes! Bake mini cupcakes at 350°F (177°C) for 10–12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

These Hot Chocolate Cupcakes bring all the comforting flavors of a warm cup of cocoa into a moist, chocolatey dessert. Whether you’re making them for a party, a cozy night in, or a holiday treat, they’re sure to be a hit. Try different toppings and variations to make them your own!