Sally's Baking Addiction

Double Dose Of Choclate With These Cocoa  Hot Cup Cakes

The best part about these hot cocoa cupcakes has to be those teeny tiny marshmallows on top. I just got those from the hot cocoa packets and highly advise you don’t leave them out because they’re absolutely adorable, delicious, and festive. Hot cocoa bliss right here!

Hot Cocoa Cupcakes
Makes 14
½ cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp. baking soda
¾ tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
⅓ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup dry hot chocolate mix (no marshmallows)
⅓ cup heavy cream
½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3 – 3 and ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Line a second pan with 2 liners (this recipe makes about 14 cupcakes). Set aside.

2. Make the cupcakes: In a large bowl, whisk the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together until thoroughly combined. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla together until completely smooth. Pour half of the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Then half of the buttermilk. Gently stir – about 5 stirs. Repeat with the remaining wet ingredients and buttermilk. Stir until *just* combined; do not overmix. The batter won’t be very thick.

3. Pour or spoon the batter into the liners — fill only halfway to avoid spilling over the sides. Bake for 18-19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

4. Make the frosting: Whisk the hot chocolate mix and heavy cream together in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Continually whisk until warm and completely combined. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the softened butter on medium speed for 1 minute until completely smooth and creamy. Add 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar, hot chocolate mixture, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for about 20 seconds, then gradually increase to high speed and beat for 2 minutes. If you’d like it a little thicker, add ½ cup more confectioners’ sugar. Frost cooled cupcakes. Decorate with marshmallows.