If you love the cozy, festive flavors of coffee and peppermint wrapped into a delightful treat, this Peppermint Mocha Muffins Recipe is your new best friend. These muffins are perfectly rich with cocoa and espresso, brightened by refreshing peppermint, and studded with melty chocolate and Andes mint chips for bursts of creamy sweetness. Whether it’s a holiday morning, a casual brunch, or an anytime pick-me-up, these muffins bring warmth and joy in every bite. Let me walk you through how easy it is to whip up these irresistible muffins that balance decadence and freshness beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with dark brown chocolate batter with a smooth and thick texture, covering about two-thirds of the bowl's inside. In the center of the batter is a mound of small, light pink and white peppermint pieces. A silver whisk leans inside the bowl, touching the peppermint bits, ready to mix. A soft pink cloth napkin is placed next to the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Peppermint Mocha Muffins Recipe relies on simple ingredients that each play a key role. From the deep cocoa powder setting the chocolate stage to the lively espresso powder adding a touch of coffee bitterness, each component works together to create the magic. Fresh eggs and creamy Greek yogurt ensure a moist, tender crumb, while the peppermint extract and chocolate chips give that signature festive kick.

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (270 grams): The base for structure and perfect texture in your muffins.
1 cup cocoa powder (87 grams): Brings rich chocolate flavor and a deep brown color.
2 tablespoons espresso powder (12 grams): Enhances chocolate taste with a subtle coffee undertone.
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (10 grams): Helps the muffins rise light and fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda (4 grams): Works with baking powder for extra leavening power.
1/2 teaspoon salt (4 grams): Balances sweetness and boosts flavor complexity.
2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk: Provide moisture and richness while helping blend ingredients perfectly.
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (270 grams): Sweetens and adds tenderness to the crumb.
1/2 cup vegetable oil (100 grams): Keeps the muffins moist and soft, adding a subtle richness.
1 1/2 cups full fat plain Greek yogurt (375 grams): Adds creaminess, tang, and helps keep muffins fluffy.
1/2 tablespoon peppermint extract (5 grams): The star flavor that makes these muffins festive and refreshing.
2/3 cup mini chocolate chips: Small pockets of melted chocolate delight in every bite.
2/3 cup Andes peppermint baking chips: Creamy mint-chocolate morsels that elevate the peppermint mocha experience.

How to Make Peppermint Mocha Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Muffin Tins

Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to get this right upfront for even baking. Grease your muffin tins or line them with paper liners so your muffins release easily after baking and keep their pretty shape.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture holds all the leavening agents and cocoa goodness evenly which will help your muffins rise evenly with that deep chocolate color and irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Beat Eggs and Sugar

Using a large bowl, beat the two eggs plus one extra yolk with the granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and thick. This aeration step is key to fluffy muffins since it builds structure that traps the tiny air bubbles during baking.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Next, beat the vegetable oil into your egg and sugar mixture until fully combined. Following that, add the Greek yogurt and peppermint extract and continue to mix until smooth. The oil and yogurt blend keeps these muffins moist while the peppermint extract evenly disperses that fresh flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixes

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Take care not to over mix here — you want a tender crumb, which means blending just enough so the flour disappears but the batter stays light and airy.

Step 6: Add Chocolate and Andes Mints

Fold in the mini chocolate chips and Andes peppermint baking chips gently, to distribute those pockets of sweet, minty richness throughout every muffin.

Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly into 24 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full for nicely domed tops.

Step 8: Bake with Precision

Bake the muffins at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test with a toothpick – it should come out clean when the muffins are perfectly baked.

Step 9: Cool and Store

Once baked, allow your Peppermint Mocha Muffins to cool slightly in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and moist.

How to Serve Peppermint Mocha Muffins Recipe

A close-up of a single dark chocolate muffin with visible red bits and chocolate chips on top, sitting in a white crinkled paper cup that partially unwraps the muffin base. The muffin has a rough, moist texture with small crumbly parts around the edges. It is placed on a white marbled surface with blurred white bowls in the background holding more chocolate chips. The color contrast highlights the rich darkness of the muffin against the bright white paper cup and surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your muffins at serving time, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate ganache makes a stunning presentation. You can also sprinkle finely crushed candy canes on top for extra festive crunch and color.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a warm cup of coffee, a hot chocolate, or peppermint tea to complement the mocha and mint flavor profile. A dollop of whipped cream on the side adds a fluffy contrast to the rich, moist muffins.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the peppermint mocha muffins on a decorative platter with sprigs of fresh mint or holly for a seasonal touch. For gift-giving, wrap individual muffins in clear cellophane bags tied with red or green ribbons to make perfect edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover Peppermint Mocha Muffins keep wonderfully at room temperature for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. This helps maintain their softness and prevents them from drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap then placed inside a freezer bag. They can last up to three months this way and you can take out just what you need.

Reheating

To enjoy the muffins fresh from the freezer, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in a toaster oven for a few minutes. This revives the softness and melts the chocolate chips slightly, giving you that fresh-baked sensation all over again.

FAQs

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with regular yogurt or sour cream?

Absolutely! Full fat regular yogurt or sour cream will work just as well and also help keep the muffins moist and tender, though Greek yogurt adds a little extra richness and tang.

Are these muffins very minty? Can I adjust the peppermint flavor?

The peppermint extract is balanced to complement but not overpower the chocolate and coffee flavors. If you prefer a milder mint flavor, simply reduce the extract to 1/4 tablespoon and adjust to taste.

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of the mini and Andes chips?

You can! Mini chocolate chips provide nice even distribution, but any semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips will work. If you want to keep the peppermint element, consider adding crushed candy canes or peppermint extract to the batter.

Is espresso powder necessary in this Peppermint Mocha Muffins Recipe?

Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor by adding depth and a subtle coffee note. If you don’t have any, you can omit it, but your muffins might be a bit less rich and complex in flavor.

How can I make these muffins vegan?

To veganize the recipe, substitute eggs with flax or chia egg replacements, use a plant-based yogurt, and choose a dairy-free vegetable oil. You’ll also want to ensure the chocolate chips are vegan-friendly. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Peppermint Mocha Muffins Recipe enough if you’re craving a treat that feels like a cozy holiday hug. The balance of rich chocolate, bright peppermint, and gentle coffee notes in a tender muffin is pure magic. Once you try these, they’ll likely become a beloved staple for festive mornings and anytime indulgences. So grab your ingredients and let the baking adventure begin—you deserve that perfect bite of peppermint mocha bliss!