Peppermint Fudge Cupcakes

Christmas and peppermint – they seem to go hand in hand. And at this time of year you can’t go wrong by combining peppermint and chocolate to create a special holiday treat. That’s why you’ve got to try these Peppermint Fudge Cupcakes. I am in love with them! The moist and rich dark chocolate cake topped with delectable peppermint buttercream frosting and lightly sprinkled with crushed candy canes will make your taste buds tingle with delight!

These cupcakes are super easy to make and if you can’t get enough of wonderful combination of peppermint and chocolate, these little gems will satisfy your cravings! Not only that, if you make them for your family or friends, they will disappear before your eyes. And you’ll only wish that you made more!

Peppermint Fudge Cupcakes

Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes
1 box (15.25 oz) Pillsbury Moist Supreme Dark Chocolate Premium Cake Mix
1 cup milk
2/3 cup butter, melted
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Peppermint Buttercream Frosting
1 box (3-1/2 cups) confectioners sugar
1 cup (2-sticks) butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
1-2 tablespoons heavy cream

chopped candy cane pieces, for garnish

Heat your oven to 350 degrees. Prepare 2 cupcake tins (12 openings each) with paper or foil liners and set aside.

For the cupcakes: In a large bowl of an electric mixer add cake mix, milk, butter, eggs and vanilla and mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Spoon batter evenly into prepared cupcake liners, about 3/4 full. Place in oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the middle. Cool for about 15 minutes in the pan, then remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting: In a large bowl of an electric mixer add the butter, confectioners sugar, vanilla and peppermint extracts and blend until incorporated. Slowly add the heavy cream and beat until you get the consistency you prefer. Note, you can use more of the peppermint extract, but be careful as a little goes a long way.

Frost the cupcakes with an offset spatula then sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes.

For me, these Peppermint Fudge Cupcakes are heaven on earth!