It’s cold outside and these cocoa cupcakes are a fun way to stay cozy and cute inside. They are reminiscent of hot chocolate but presented as a sweet little cake with cocoa frosting and the tiniest marshmallow bits to top them off and tie the whole look together.
The best part is these cupcakes are super easy to pull together and you can mix all the ingredients for the cupcakes in one bowl. I always love that.
For the buttercream frosting, I added warm milk and a bit of hot chocolate mix to make them creamy and cocoa colored.
Oh… and delicious, too!
Sprinkle the tops with tiny marshmallow bits (smaller than mini marshmallows) and just a little bit of the hot chocolate mix granules for full “not-so-hot” cocoa effect.
Cocoa Cupcakes
Ingredients
Chocolate Cupcakes
- 1-3/4 cups all purpose flour
- 3/4 cup natural unsweetened cocoa
- 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup hot water
Cocoa Frosting
- 1/3 cup hot chocolate mix granules
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 3 sticks butter, room temperature
- 4-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Marshmallow Bits
Instructions
- For the cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line cupcake tray with baking cups.
- Mix flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in the bowl of your stand mixer until all of the dry ingredients are combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing in between. Add milk, oil and vanilla and mix until combined.
- Turn mixer on low and slowly add hot water until incorporated. The batter will be very liquid.
- For ease of pouring, transfer batter to a large measuring cup and pour batter into baking cups about 2/3 full.
- Bake for about 16-18 minutes or until done. Remove and let cool.
- For the frosting: heat milk and hot chocolate mix in the microwave together for about 20 seconds. (Don’t let it boil over.) Stir and set aside to cool some.
- In a stand mixer, beat butter until creamy and smooth. Then add confectioners' sugar one cup at a time, mixing completely between each addition. Add vanilla.
- With the mixer on low, slowly add the liquid hot chocolate mixture and mix until completely combined. Then beat for about 3 minutes. (Note: You can adjust the thickness of the frosting by adding more confectioners' sugar or less of the hot chocolate mixture.)
- Frost cupcakes and then sprinkle cupcake tops with marshmallow bits and a bit of dry hot chocolate mix granules.
Notes
Marshmallow bits are smaller than miniature marshmallows. See examples here.
You can also use miniature marshmallows - they will just be much larger in proportion to the cupcakes.
This recipe was originally made for People.com.
Here are some links to a bunch more of my recipes on their site.
Enjoy each and every cozy bite!
The way you’ve captured the essence of hot chocolate in these cocoa cupcakes, especially with the cold weather context, is just lovely. I’m particularly drawn to the idea of using the tiny marshmallow bits as a topping – it’s such a clever touch that really elevates the presentation and reinforces the theme. It reminds me a bit of how I approach tattoo design; you want the final piece to be immediately recognizable and evocative, just like these cupcakes clearly communicate “cozy hot chocolate.” It makes me wonder if there are other comfort drinks that could be translated into a baked good with such success.
The idea of mimicking hot chocolate in cupcake form is brilliant, especially with the cold weather. I love the detail of adding marshmallow bits; it really sells the theme and makes them look so appealing. I’m always looking for ways to make classic flavors a bit more exciting, and this definitely fits the bill. It makes me wonder if you could even add a tiny bit of whipped cream to the top before serving for an extra touch. These look like the perfect treat for a cozy afternoon.
These cocoa cupcakes look so cozy and cute! I love how you used hot chocolate mix in the frosting and tiny marshmallow bits for that perfect not-so-hot cocoa effect. Can’t wait to try making them this weekend.
Using actual hot chocolate mix in the buttercream is a genius move. It gives it that specific malted, creamy flavor that you just can’t get from plain cocoa powder. And those tiny marshmallow bits? They make anything look 10x more professional (and adorable).
These cupcakes look incredible and I can’t wait to try them
These cocoa cupcakes sound absolutely delightful, combining the warmth of hot chocolate with the charm of a dessert. Perfect for cozy days indoors!
I like chocolate cake!
These cocoa cupcakes look absolutely delightful and perfect for cozy winter days! The combination of hot chocolate flavors and marshmallow bits is irresistible.
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These cocoa cupcakes look so cozy and delicious! I love how you made the frosting with hot chocolate mix and tiny marshmallow bits. It’s great that they’re easy to mix in one bowl—perfect for a cold day treat.
These cocoa cupcakes look so cozy and delicious! I love how you mixed everything in one bowl and added hot chocolate mix to the frosting. The tiny marshmallow bits are a perfect touch for that not-so-hot cocoa vibe.
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What a tempting recipe — those cocoa cupcakes look absolutely delicious and so well explained! I can almost smell the chocolate just reading the post. After baking something sweet like that, I love to take a little break and relax with a bit of coloring. If you’re into that too, check out Szinezokvilaga.com — they have free printable coloring pages (Színez?) that are perfect for a calm creative moment.
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These cocoa cupcakes look rich and delicious! A perfect treat for chocolate lovers of all ages.
These cocoa cupcakes look so soft and delicious! Simple ingredients but such a rich flavor — definitely a recipe worth trying. Thanks for sharing!
Such a cute little idea, fab for keeping cosy in these cold winter months!
Is 3 sticks of butter correct in the frosting? Seems like a lot….. ;)
How many servings does this make?
Love them!! I did the same thing for Christmas, and used the little “bits” too!! I love those things.
I cut up cute paper straws and had them coming out of the cupcake ??
Yum! Send me a bowl of that frosting…
Why do your desserts always look so yummy?
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