Name: Mint Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Cups Gluten Free 1-to-1 Flour Blend (e.g., Bob’s Red Mill); 2 Cups Sugar; ¾ Cup Dutch Process Cocoa Powder; 1 ½ teaspoons Baking Powder; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Espresso Powder (optional); ½ teaspoon Baking Soda; 3 Eggs; ⅔ Cup Oil; 1 Cup Non-Dairy Milk; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; ¾ Cup Hot Water; 1 batch Mint Chocolate Chip Frosting (prepared separately)

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 5 reviews

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If you’re on the hunt for a showstopper dessert that’s bursting with refreshing mint and rich chocolate flavors, look no further than this Mint Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe. These gluten-free delights combine a moist, deeply chocolatey base with a dreamy mint chocolate chip frosting that feels like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cupcakes bring a perfect balance of indulgence and freshness that will make you smile from the first taste to the last crumb.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There are six white bowls and two clear glass containers, along with three white eggs placed directly on the surface. The ingredients include a large bowl of white gluten-free flour with a rough texture, a medium bowl of dark brown cocoa powder with a powdery texture, and a large bowl of fine white sugar with a smooth surface. A small bowl holds white leavening agents mixed with a small amount of dark brown espresso powder. One small bowl contains dark amber vanilla extract. Two clear glass containers hold light yellow oil and clear hot water, while another glass container holds white dairy-free milk. The labels for each ingredient are placed near each corresponding item. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is where the magic begins, and the components in this recipe are surprisingly simple yet absolutely essential. Each item has a role—whether it’s creating the moist texture, delivering that intense cocoa punch, or adding the hint of mint that makes these cupcakes unforgettable.

2 Cups Gluten Free 1-to-1 Flour Blend: Provides a tender crumb without gluten, making these cupcakes accessible to more people without sacrificing texture.
2 Cups Sugar: Sweetens everything perfectly, balancing the bittersweet cocoa with just the right amount of sugary goodness.
¾ Cup Dutch Process Cocoa Powder: Delivers a rich, deep chocolate flavor and an irresistible dark color to the batter.
1 ½ teaspoon Baking Powder: Gives the cupcakes a gentle rise for lightness.
½ teaspoon Baking Soda: Works alongside baking powder to help the cupcakes rise and achieve the perfect texture.
1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, ensuring nothing tastes flat or dull.
1 teaspoon Espresso Powder (optional): Elevates the chocolate notes, adding complexity without a strong coffee taste.
3 Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the moistness and richness.
⅔ Cup Oil: Keeps the cupcakes wonderfully moist and tender.
1 Cup Non-Dairy Milk: Adds moisture and keeps the recipe dairy-free, which pairs beautifully with the gluten-free flour.
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
¾ Cup Hot Water: Intensifies the cocoa flavor and ensures a smooth batter that’s easy to mix.
1 batch Mint Chocolate Chip Frosting: This frosting is the shining star, blending creamy mintiness with delightful chocolate chips for texture and flavor.

How to Make Mint Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Muffin Pan

Start by setting your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners; this makes clean-up easy and helps the cupcakes keep their shape as they bake.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the gluten free flour blend, sugar, Dutch process cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional espresso powder. Whisk these together until fully incorporated and free from lumps, especially in the cocoa powder, to create a balanced base for your batter.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and lightly beat them. Add the oil, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract, whisking everything until smooth and slightly frothy. This step ensures a silky batter without lumps, which is key to tender cupcakes.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Whisk together gently until just combined—overmixing can make gluten-free batters dense, and you want your cupcakes to be light and airy.

Step 5: Add Hot Water

Slowly add the hot water while continuing to whisk. The hot water enhances the cocoa flavor and gives the batter a lovely, lush consistency that translates into moist cupcakes once baked.

Step 6: Divide and Bake

Fill your prepared cupcake liners about two-thirds full with the batter. This ensures there’s enough room for them to rise without spilling over. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a gentle poke on the top springs back. The smell of chocolate filling your kitchen by this point is truly irresistible.

Step 7: Cool Before Frosting

Once baked, let the cupcakes cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes in the pan, then remove them to cool completely for at least one hour. Patience here makes all the difference—it prevents frosting from melting and sliding off your perfectly baked cupcakes.

Step 8: Frost and Finish

Prepare your Mint Chocolate Chip Frosting according to your favorite recipe or the one provided, then generously frost each cupcake. This frosting adds bursts of minty freshness and little chocolate chip surprises that are pure magic.

How to Serve Mint Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

A gray cupcake tray with six round cups, each lined with white paper liners filled with dark brown chocolate batter that looks smooth and thick, filling each cup almost to the top. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface with a clean and soft texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your presentation with simple, fresh garnishes like a sprig of fresh mint or a few mini chocolate chips sprinkled on top. These touches showcase the flavors inside and make each cupcake look lovingly crafted.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream for an extra decadent dessert experience. A warm cup of coffee or a fresh herbal tea also complements the mint and chocolate flavor beautifully, balancing sweet and refreshing notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try placing your cupcakes on a tiered stand at a party for an instant centerpiece. You can also embed a small chocolate mint candy or a thin peppermint stick into the frosting for a delightful crunch and a hint of whimsy that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cupcakes fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This way, the moist texture and vibrant flavors stay intact, ready for you to enjoy at any time.

Freezing

If you want to save these cupcakes for a special occasion, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their delicious texture and taste.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy frozen cupcakes, thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. If you prefer them slightly warm, zap them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds—just enough to bring out the moistness without melting the frosting completely.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten free flour?

Absolutely! If gluten isn’t a concern, substitute your favorite all-purpose flour in the same quantity. This will give you a similar texture with a bit of a traditional crumb. Just be mindful to whisk the ingredients thoroughly to avoid clumps.

Is espresso powder necessary for this recipe?

Espresso powder is optional but highly recommended. It doesn’t taste like coffee; instead, it intensifies the chocolate flavor making the cupcake richer and more decadent, which pairs beautifully with the mint.

What kind of non-dairy milk works best?

Any non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk works well here. Choose your favorite based on flavor preferences or dietary needs. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to keep the balance of flavors right.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, the mint chocolate chip frosting can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature and give it a quick whisk before frosting your cupcakes to restore its creamy, spreadable texture.

How do I prevent the cupcakes from being too dense?

Using the right flour blend and not overmixing the batter are key. Make sure to whisk just until combined and bake promptly. Also, the hot water helps create a smooth, light batter which results in tender cupcakes.

Final Thoughts

I simply can’t recommend this Mint Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe enough. It’s a wonderful combination of classic flavors with a refreshing twist that feels both nostalgic and exciting. Whether you’re making these for a special event or a cozy weekend treat, they’re sure to brighten your day and delight anyone lucky enough to have one. So go ahead, bake a batch, and share the love—your taste buds will thank you!

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