½cuphot chocolate mixabout 4 (.71 ounce packets of Swiss Miss hot chocolate)
⅓cupcocoa powder
1teaspoonsalt
1teaspoonbaking powder
1teaspoonbaking soda
Frosting:
4tablespoonsunsalted butterat room temperature
8ouncesblock-style cream cheeseat room temperature
½cupheavy cream
1.42ounceshot chocolate mix2 (.71 ounce) packages
2cupspowdered sugar
Optional topping: mini marshmallowscrushed candy canes and mini chocolate chips
Instructions
For the Cupcakes:
Preheat the oven to 350°F, and line a muffin pan with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk the milk, vegetable oil, egg and vanilla until combined.
1 cup milk, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
In a separate large bowl whisk the flour, sugar, hot chocolate mix, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder and baking soda.
1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup hot chocolate mix, ⅓ cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
Spray the cupcake liners with nonstick cooking spray, and fill each of the liners ¾ of the way full with the batter.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cupcakes.
Let the cupcakes cool for at least 1 hour before frosting.
For the Frosting:
Make the frosting by whipping the butter until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the softened cream cheese and mix again until fully incorporated.
Pour in the heavy cream, and whip until light and fluffy. Stir in the hot chocolate powder and finally the powdered sugar until smooth.
½ cup heavy cream, 1.42 ounces hot chocolate mix, 2 cups powdered sugar
Refrigerate until the cupcakes are cool then scoop the frosting into a piping bag fitted with your preferred piping tip. (I used the Wilton 2D piping tip.)
Frost the cupcakes then serve or sprinkle the top with mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes and mini chocolate chips if desired.
See post for storage options.
Notes
*The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 1 hot chocolate cupcake. Actual calories will vary.*For more information, tips, and answers to frequently asked questions, please refer to the post.*Photos courtesy of Karla Rae Photography.