CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT CUPCAKE RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners.
• Stir cocoa, all-purpose flour, cake flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda together in a large bowl.
• Beat sugar and butter together in a separate bowl until light and fluffy. Slowly beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts. Stir in dry ingredients until well mixed. Add buttermilk and stir just until moistened.
• Spoon batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each 3/4 full.
• Bake in the preheated oven until cupcakes spring back when lightly touched, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 36 muffin tins with paper liners.To make the cake, melt 2 sticks butter and stir in cocoa. Pour in boiling water, stir to combine, allow to boil for 15 seconds, then remove from heat and set aside.In a separate bowl, stir together flour, sugar, and salt. Set aside.In a separate small bowl, mix together buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and baking soda. Pour the chocolate mixture over the flour mixture and stir until halfway combined. Pour in the egg mixture and stir until the batter comes together.Fill muffin cups 2/3 full and bake for 18 minutes, or until set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.To make the frosting, beat the butter to get it started, then add in the powdered sugar. Beat on low while adding the cream. When it comes together, add the crushed peppermints, reserving some for garnish. Beat the frosting for a good 30 seconds on high until it's light and fluffy, longer if needed.Frost the cupcakes however you want, then sprinkle on more crushed peppermints. Note that the frosting will develop a light "crust" on the outside if left out.