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If there’s one thing that screams St. Patrick’s Day, it’s mint and chocolate together in one glorious dessert. These Mint Chocolate Cupcakes are rich, moist, and packed with just the right amount of cool, refreshing mint. Topped with creamy chocolate frosting, they’re basically the cupcake version of a Thin Mint cookie… and honestly, who can say no to that?
Perfect for classroom treats, St. Paddy’s Day parties, or just because cupcakes make everything better, these little green beauties are easy to whip up and even easier to eat. Let’s get baking!
🧁 What You’ll Need
👉 For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp peppermint extract
- ½ cup hot water
👉 For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract (optional for extra minty flavor!)
- 3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
👉 For Decorating:
- Green sprinkles
- Chocolate chips or chopped Andes mints
- Mini shamrock toppers (because why not?)
🍫 How to Make Mint Chocolate Cupcakes
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2️⃣ Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3️⃣ Mix wet ingredients – In a separate large bowl, beat together both sugars, oil, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and peppermint extract until smooth.
4️⃣ Combine – Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
5️⃣ Add hot water – Slowly mix in the hot water (it makes the cupcakes extra moist!).
6️⃣ Bake – Fill cupcake liners about ⅔ full and bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
🍀 How to Make the Chocolate Frosting
1️⃣ Beat the butter – Using a mixer, beat softened butter until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2️⃣ Add cocoa & sugar – Slowly mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
3️⃣ Add flavor & cream – Stir in vanilla, peppermint extract (if using), and 2 tbsp of cream or milk. Beat until smooth, adding another tbsp of cream if needed for a silky consistency.
4️⃣ Frost & Decorate – Pipe or spread the frosting onto cooled cupcakes, then top with green sprinkles, chopped Andes mints, or chocolate chips for a festive touch.
🎉 Fun Variations & Tips
🍫 Extra Minty? Add a drop of green food coloring to the cupcake batter or frosting!
🌿 Want a Lighter Frosting? Swap the chocolate frosting for whipped mint buttercream instead.
🍪 Thin Mint Lovers? Crush up Thin Mint cookies and sprinkle them on top.
💚 Make It Extra Festive! Use a piping bag to swirl frosting into a “shamrock” shape.
These Mint Chocolate Cupcakes are decadent, fun, and totally St. Patrick’s Day-approved. Whether you’re sharing them or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here), they’re the perfect sweet treat for celebrating the luck of the Irish.
So tell me—are you team extra minty or team just a hint? Drop a comment below! ⬇️🍀🍫
