I’ve been watching the show Cupcake Wars (America + cupcakes = winning) this weekend so it seems fitting that today’s recipe is a cupcake! These Mint Chocolate Cupcakes are heavenly for anyone who would call themselves a choc mint lover.
They begin with a soft and fluffy chocolate cake piled high with creamy mint buttercream topped with a chocolate mint cookie. They are sweet but not too sweet, with a little crunch from the cookie and the perfect hint of mint throughout.
After making my easy no churn Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream I knew I wasn’t the only mint fan around here. So it was only a matter of time until another mint chocolate treat came out of the Sweetest Menu kitchen.
What I love most about these delicious cupcakes is they are actually really easy to make. There’s no complicated fillings or frostings, just a simple chocolate cake and an easy mint flavoured buttercream. Yet they are still striking and will be a welcome addition to any dessert table.
How was your weekend? My husband is in exam-mode so he has his head in the books, while I am spending most of my time in the kitchen. Yesterday’s creation had me dancing for joy, I look forward to sharing that one with you very soon.
I also can’t believe it’s only two months until Christmas – how did THAT happen? Please let me know if there are any Christmas treats and desserts you would like to see on Sweetest Menu this year. I am currently dreaming of gingerbread houses, chocolate crinkle cookies and egg nog flavoured-everything.
Let's Bake
Mint Chocolate Cupcakes
Fluffy chocolate cupcakes topped with creamy mint frosting and a chocolate mint cookie.
Ingredients
Chocolate cupcakes
- 105 grams (3/4 cup) plain flour
- 20 grams (1/4 cup) cocoa powder
- 20 grams (1/4 cup) dutch processed cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 100 grams (1/2 cup) caster sugar
- 45 grams (1/4 cup) brown sugar
- 115 grams (1/2 cup or 1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) buttermilk
Mint frosting
- 115 grams (1/2 cup or 1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 435 grams (3 and 1/2 cups) icing or powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint or mint extract
- A few drops of green food colouring
- 6 whole mint chocolate cookie or biscuit, cut in half
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180 C (350 F) standard / 160 C (320 F) fan-forced. Line a 12 hole muffin tin with patty cases.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powders, baking soda, baking powder and then add the sugars – give it a stir. Pop the butter into the microwave for a short burst, 10 seconds or so at a time, until it is JUST melted. Give it a stir with a fork to eliminate any lumps.
- In a separate mixing bowl, add the eggs, vanilla and butter and whisk together until smooth. Then add the wet mixture into the dry mixture, along with the buttermilk and gently fold until just combined.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared patty cases and pop into the oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until just cooked through. Set cakes out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely.
- To make the mint buttercream frosting, add the butter to a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until pale and creamy. Gently sift in the icing sugar, one cup at a time. Add a tablespoon or two of milk to help loosen up the mixture. Add the mint extract and continue to beat.
- Add a tablespoon of milk if needed. The icing should be nice and creamy but thick enough to hold its shape. Add in your green food colouring (optional) until it reaches your desired colour. Pipe the icing onto the cupcakes using a piping bag and a large star tip. Top each cupcake with half a chocolate mint cookie.
Notes
For tips on piping check out my cupcake frosting post HERE.
Josh says
Yum!
★★★★★
Lynn @ Fresh April Flours says
YES, mint chocolate for sure!
Lauren says
I LOVE Cupcake Wars, it’s one of my favourites! Although I’m not a huge mint fan, these look so amazing I’d just have to try one! Thanks for linking up with us for Fabulous Foodie Fridays, have a great weekend 🙂
Jessica Holmes says
Oh how fun is it Lauren! Thanks for hosting! 🙂
Nancy says
I love mint chocolate anything–these cupcakes look so yummy and I can imagine how wonderful they must taste!
Jessica Holmes says
Thanks Nancy, me too!
Beeta says
These are gorgeous! I am such a fan of mint so I love these, Jess! <3
Jessica Holmes says
Thanks Beeta!
Ashley says
I love watching Cupcake Wars! It is a great show to get a little inspiration for delicious cupcakes recipes. I always leave your blog wanting something sweet and these cupcakes look incredible. Mint and chocolate is one of my favorite combination of flavors!
Jessica Holmes says
It is hey! But all those savoury cupcakes are waay out of my league! Thank you for your sweet comment 🙂
Sarah says
Um, these cupcakes are nothing short of STUNNING, Jessica! I seriously need some of your piping skills—like seriously, these belong in a bakery! 😉
Jessica Holmes says
Aww that is so kind, thank you so much Sarah! 🙂 After watching Cupcake Wars I feel like I have alot of practicing to do!
Ally says
These are amazing! Thanks so much for sharing! As many others have already said, chocolate and mint go perfect together! My sisters birthday is coming up (sorta… its on New Years Eve…) and I’m going to make these for her, because she loves anything that is chocolate mint!
Jessica Holmes says
Oh I hope you get to try them Ally! Let me know if you do 🙂
Nicole says
How did you know mint and chocolate are my favorite? These cupcakes are a must make.
Jessica Holmes says
Aw thanks Nicole!
Mary Ann says
These are gorgeous Jess! My son, Casey LOVES anything mint chocolate chip so these will be on the list of treats I make him when he comes home for the holidays from college! Thanks for sharing and have a great week!
Jessica Holmes says
Thank you so much Mary Ann! I hope you get to try it! 🙂
Miranda says
This looks beautiful and festive and I might definitely give this a try!
Jessica Holmes says
Oh I hope you get to try them Miranda, let me know how you go!
Cheyanne says
My husband is a HUGE mint-chocolate fan so I KNOW he would totally swoon over these cupcakes! They look absolutely divine! And, I love that they are easy and uncomplicated! Perfection! Pinned! Cheers and thanks for sharing the YUM! 🙂
Jessica Holmes says
Mine is too Cheyanne! They are so simple but look super cute! Thanks for the pin!
Jessica says
These cupcakes are gorgeous! Love mint and chocolate – the colour of that frosting is beautiful! I can’t believe how close Christmas is! 😀
Jessica Holmes says
Aw thank you Jess! I know right? It’s crazy!
Shelby says
These cupcakes are gorgeous! Chocolate and mint are such a great combo!
Jessica Holmes says
I couldn’t agree more Shelby!
Trisha says
Thin Mints are my favorite Girl Scout cookie so I know I will love these cupcakes! Pinned and scheduled to share on Facebook!
Jessica Holmes says
Oh wow, thank you so much Trisha!