White Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

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Sweet, cool, and festive, these White Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes are a dreamy winter treat that brings the magic of the holidays right into your kitchen. With a moist and fluffy white chocolate base and a swirl of peppermint frosting, each bite tastes like a snow-kissed dessert straight from a holiday postcard.

Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, a holiday party, or just cozying up at home with a movie and hot cocoa, these cupcakes fit the vibe perfectly. They smell like Christmas morning and taste like joy, making them a must-have for your December baking list.

Why You’ll Love These White Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

These cupcakes balance sweetness with a cooling peppermint finish that’s never overwhelming. The white chocolate adds richness without being too heavy, and the creamy peppermint frosting is light yet decadent. They look stunning on a dessert table, especially with crushed peppermint on top. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead and freeze well, so you can enjoy them throughout the season.

What Kind of White Chocolate Should I Use?

Go for quality white chocolate bars rather than white chocolate chips. Chips have stabilizers that can prevent smooth melting. A bar of good white chocolate melts into the batter like a dream and gives a luxurious texture. Brands like Ghirardelli or Lindt work beautifully in this recipe. If you’re in a pinch, chips can still work—just make sure to melt them gently.

Ingredients for the White Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

To make these cupcakes burst with flavor and softness, it’s important to use the freshest and best quality ingredients you can find.

All-purpose flour helps build the structure of the cupcakes so they rise with a soft crumb.

Baking powder is your leavening agent to ensure the cupcakes are light and fluffy.

Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the peppermint and chocolate flavors.

Unsalted butter gives a rich base and lets you control the salt level.

Granulated sugar sweetens the cupcakes just right.

Eggs add moisture and help bind everything together.

Vanilla extract gives a warm background note that pairs well with peppermint.

Whole milk ensures a moist texture.

White chocolate is the star of the show, giving these cupcakes their signature richness.

Peppermint extract infuses the cupcakes with that cool, wintry twist.

Crushed candy canes add color, crunch, and extra peppermint flair for topping.

How To Make the White Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Lightly spray the liners if you want extra easy release.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

Gently melt the white chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly before adding to your batter.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. This step creates air pockets for a light cupcake texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts and mix until combined.

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir in the melted white chocolate until the batter is smooth.

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Pipe on your favorite peppermint buttercream frosting and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. You can even drizzle with extra melted white chocolate for a dramatic finish.

How to Serve and Store These Cupcakes

These cupcakes are best served at room temperature so the frosting is soft and the white chocolate flavor shines. They make an impressive dessert for Christmas dinner, winter birthdays, or as a sweet surprise in lunchboxes.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully, frosted or unfrosted. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. This recipe makes 12 regular-sized cupcakes.

What to Serve With White Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes?

Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream

Nothing pairs more naturally with peppermint than a creamy mug of cocoa. It’s pure comfort in every sip.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a cupcake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert duo.

Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels

Their salty crunch balances the sweetness of the cupcakes perfectly.

Fresh Berries

Strawberries or raspberries add a tart freshness that complements the richness of the cupcakes.

Holiday Punch

Whether it’s cranberry-based or citrusy, a festive drink helps round out the experience.

Peppermint Mocha

Double down on peppermint by pairing your cupcake with this holiday-favorite coffee.

Creamy Eggnog

For those who love eggnog, it’s a classic match with these cupcakes.

Mini Sandwiches or Tea Bites

If you’re hosting an afternoon tea or dessert buffet, balance the table with some savory finger foods.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these White Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes, you’ll definitely want to check out more festive creations:

• Try the Ooey Gooey Bars if you love messy, melty indulgence.
• These Cherry Topped Coconut Macaroons are just as pretty and twice as chewy.
• Whip up some Lemon Rhubarb Loaf if you’re in the mood for something tart and sweet.
• Dive into Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes for a cozy twist on brunch and dessert.
• Or check out Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries for a fruity, creamy delight.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the peppermint or keep it subtle? Did you try a whipped topping instead of buttercream?

I love hearing your spins and twists. Ask questions if you need—we’re here to make baking more fun, not more complicated.

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