Move over Starbucks, I’m giving you a run for your money.
Don’t even think about ordering these skinny, though. I just won’t have it. And no, the frosting is not optional.
Just eat one, and bask in all of its chocolatey, minty, espresso and butter-filled glory.
Truth be told, I’ve never even had a peppermint mocha, but I order pretty much every other drink from Starbucks, so I’m sure it’s delicious. If you’ve never had one either, think of a caffeinated York peppermint patty. That sounds weird…but it’s a delicious kind of weird. Trust me.
I also had never had a mojito (I know) until recently. It was like the heavens opened up and angels sang. So…chocolate + mint=good, alcohol + mint=even better. BUT don’t, and I repeat DON’T ever put mint in savory things and try to feed them to me. No thank you.
Did I get ahead of myself with these cupcakes? Are they a little too holiday season-ish? Good. I hope so, because I’ve been listening to Christmas music since September. Don’t hate.
Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes
Cupcakes:
- 3 c. flour
- 1 c. dark chocolate cocoa powder
- 1 sleeve crushed Trader Joe’s Candy Cane Jo Jo cookies (these are optional but amazing)
- 3 t. espresso powder (I smashed up instant coffee granules)
- 2 t baking powder
- 1 t baking soda
- 1 t salt
- 1 c. milk (anything but skim will work)
- 1 c. coffee
- 1 1/2 t peppermint extract
- 1 c. sugar
- 1 c. brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 c. powdered sugar
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 5 T dark chocolate cocoa powder
- 1 t vanilla
- 2 t espresso powder
- 1 1/2 t peppermint extract
If you live near a TJ’s, drop everything and get these NOW. If you don’t live near one, I’m sorry.
Wanna hear a funny story? I packed these up to take to work the next day, walked out the door and there they went, crashing down the stairs to my apartment. I teared up. Frosting, sprinkles, cupcake, EVERYWHERE. At least I made the hallway smell minty fresh!
Ohhh my gosh I may just have to make these for Christmas eve! Love it!
I’m glad I’m not the only one obsessed with Joe’s Joe’s! We ran out about a week ago and I’m depressed over it lol- unfortunately the closest TJ’s to me is about a half hour so I have to find time to get there- plus I neeeeed those new Joe Joe’s so it’s a must!
Oh my goodness these look delicious! Can’t wait to try them! I haven’t had a peppermint mocha but I have had mint hot chocolate – my fave! Nice to find another Boston Blogger! xoxo
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OHhh my gosh..these looks AMAZING!! I am obsessed with those Joe-Joe’s and I think they would make a perfect cupcake topper..YES!
Omg- how have I never heard of those cookies before?? They sound amazing!! You are rocking my world with this recipe! No joke it sounds so good and festive that I had to stop in the middle of reading it to put on some Christmas music!
And um, how had you never had a mojito before?? So glad you liked it! My favorites are the ones with fruit in them- like a blackberry one, mmm!
These look amazing! Chocolate and mint is my favourite flavour combination ever! That sucks that you dropped them though.
I would have started eating them off the floor haha!
OMG, I love all things peppermint! Yep, these definitely look insulin worthy!