Jolly Peppermint Candy Cane Delight Cupcakes Recipe

Sweet winter magic meets festive baking with these irresistible candy cane delight cupcakes that sparkle with holiday cheer.

Soft, fluffy chocolate cupcakes provide the perfect canvas for peppermint-infused frosting and crunchy candy cane sprinkles.

Each bite delivers a delightful blend of rich chocolate and cool mint that dances across your taste buds.

The recipe combines classic holiday flavors in a single, adorable treat that looks as spectacular as it tastes.

Decorative swirls of white and red frosting make these cupcakes a showstopper at any seasonal gathering.

Festive bakers and chocolate lovers will adore how simple yet stunning these cupcakes are to create.

Get ready to spread some serious holiday joy with these crowd-pleasing peppermint delights.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 13

Candy Cane Cupcakes Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy foundation for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cupcakes with a delicate crumb.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Magical rising agents that create the perfect light and airy texture of the cupcakes.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the dessert.

• Butter: Delivers incredible richness and creates a silky smooth cake texture with deep flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps create a golden, delicate crust.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structural support for a perfect cupcake rise.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender crumb.

• Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic, warm background flavor that complements the peppermint.
• Peppermint Extract: Brings a cool, refreshing holiday twist to the cupcakes.
• Red Food Coloring: Creates a festive swirled effect for a visually stunning treat.
• Candy Canes: Offers a crunchy, minty topping that adds both decoration and extra holiday cheer.
• Buttercream Frosting: Provides a creamy, smooth finish that ties all the flavors together.

Tools to Bake Candy Cane Cupcakes

• Electric mixer: Essential for whipping butter, sugar, and creating smooth batter.
• Large mixing bowls: Needed for separating and mixing different batters.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for precise ingredient measurements.
• Cupcake tin: Holds 12 cupcake liners for baking.
• Cupcake liners: Prevents sticking and makes serving easy.
• Toothpick: Checks cake doneness by testing center.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cupcakes to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Whisk: Helps combine dry ingredients and mix batters smoothly.
• Spatula: Helps scrape batter and fold ingredients gently.

How to Prepare Candy Cane Cupcakes Smoothly

• Winter Magic Preparation

Set up your baking zone with clean counters and gather all your baking tools. Warm your oven to a cozy 350°F and arrange pretty paper liners in your cupcake tray.

• Creamy Foundation

Blend soft butter and sweet sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Gently fold in eggs, creating a silky smooth mixture that looks light and dreamy.

• Dry Ingredient Dance

Softly combine flour, rising agents, and a hint of salt in a separate bowl. These powdery friends will give your cupcakes their perfect texture.

• Flavor Twist

Divide your batter into two magical portions. Infuse one section with classic vanilla, while the other gets a festive peppermint makeover with a splash of red color.

• Marble Swirl Technique

Gently twirl the two batters together, creating beautiful swirls that will make each cupcake unique. Fill your paper cups about two-thirds full.

• Baking Transformation

Slide the tray into the warm oven. Watch your cupcakes rise and turn golden for about 18-20 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when they’re ready.

• Finishing Touches

Cool the cupcakes completely, then crown them with fluffy buttercream. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive winter wonderland effect.

Tips to Max Out Peppermint Flavor in Cupcakes

• Creative Twists and Baking Secrets
• Replace peppermint with almond or coconut extract for a unique flavor profile that keeps your taste buds guessing.
• Melt white chocolate and add a delicate swirl over frosted cupcakes for an elegant, professional bakery-style finish.
• Fold mini chocolate chips into the vanilla batter for unexpected bursts of rich chocolate that complement the peppermint.
• Prepare cupcake batter and freeze unbaked in liners up to two weeks in advance, allowing you to have fresh treats ready anytime.
• Pipe buttercream in festive swirls using a star tip and sprinkle crushed candy canes at different angles for a stunning visual presentation.

Serving Candy Cane Cupcakes with Style

• Deck the Dessert Plate: Arrange cupcakes on a festive holiday platter with sprigs of fresh mint or small candy cane decorations for a whimsical winter presentation.
• Pair with Peppermint Perfection: Serve alongside a warm mug of hot chocolate or peppermint mocha for a delightful flavor combination that screams holiday cheer.
• Create a Candy Cane Wonderland: Garnish the cupcake plate with whole candy canes, white chocolate shavings, and a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the winter wonderland theme.
• Elevate the Experience: Add a small scoop of peppermint ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream next to each cupcake for an extra indulgent dessert moment.

Storing Candy Cane Cupcakes Correctly

• Store Smartly: Keep frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, ensuring they stay fresh and delicious.
• Freeze with Care: Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. These sweet treats will stay perfect for 2-3 months, ready whenever a craving hits.
• Refrigerate Wisely: If using cream-based frosting, store cupcakes in the refrigerator for maximum freshness. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore their soft, tender texture.
• Maintain Candy Crunch: Sprinkle crushed candy canes just before serving to keep their crisp texture and prevent them from becoming soggy or melting into the frosting.

Sweet Candy Cane Cupcakes Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Festive cupcakes blend peppermint buttercream with rich chocolate cake, creating winter magic. Crisp candy cane garnish and silky frosting invite holiday cheer for bakers seeking seasonal sweetness.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• Red food coloring
• Candy canes, crushed for garnish
• Buttercream frosting

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Configure the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a standard muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners, establishing the foundational setup for baking.
2. Butter Blending: Utilize a stand mixer to whip unsalted butter and granulated sugar into a luxurious, pale, and airy mixture that serves as the cupcake’s rich base.
3. Egg Integration: Methodically fold eggs into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough incorporation and maintaining a silky, homogeneous texture.
4. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, creating a well-distributed dry foundation for the cupcakes.
5. Batter Construction: Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the egg blend, mixing gently to create a smooth, cohesive batter without overmixing.
6. Flavor Separation: Divide the batter into two portions, one enhanced with pure vanilla extract and the other transformed with peppermint extract and vibrant red food coloring.
7. Marbling Technique: Artfully swirl the two contrasting batters in each cupcake liner, filling two-thirds full to allow proper rising during baking.
8. Baking Process: Bake for 18-20 minutes, confirming doneness by inserting a toothpick that emerges clean from the cupcake’s center.
9. Cooling Stage: Rest cupcakes in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring optimal texture and flavor development.
10. Decorative Finale: Lavish each cupcake with smooth buttercream frosting and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top, creating a festive and crunchy seasonal garnish.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently to maintain a tender, soft cupcake texture and avoid developing tough gluten strands.
• Temperature Matters: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother, more even ingredient incorporation and better overall batter consistency.
• Color Swirling Technique: Use a toothpick or thin knife to create delicate marbled patterns when combining vanilla and peppermint batters for a professional-looking cupcake.
• Crushing Candy Canes: Break candy canes between parchment paper using a rolling pin for uniform, fine crumbs that distribute evenly on frosted cupcakes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg