Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mug Cake

Peppermint hot cocoa mug cake is a warm, festive treat that combines a dark chocolate mug cake + peppermint + mini marshmallows. It’s perfect for the holiday season and cozy nights in!

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Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mug Cake Recipe

When the snow is falling (or you’re just dreaming of it), the last thing you want is a big baking mess.

That’s how I was feeling the other day when the snow finally hit (yay!) and I craved a Christmas dessert…this Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mug Cake satisfied all the right things.

It’s single-serving, done in under 2 minutes, and it tastes like all the best holiday dessert vibes in one mug.

Grab a cozy blanket, tuck your feet up, and treat yourself! ☕🤎

Related recipe: Eggnog Mug Cake: A 2-Minute Homemade Holiday Treat

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mug Cake Ingredients

Here are the yummy ingredients you’ll need for this quick Christmas treat:

• all-purpose flour
• unsweetened cocoa powder
• granulated sugar (any kind: regular white, coconut sugar, date sugar, erythritol, etc.)
• baking powder
• sea salt
• milk, any kind (cow, almond, oat, etc.)
• melted butter or vegetable oil/coconut oil
• peppermint extract
• mini chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
• crushed candy cane (or peppermint candy)
• mini marshmallows

For fun gift ideas for mug lovers, check out these 25 Best Mugs Under $25 for Your Coffee, Tea, and Mug Cakes

Hot Cocoa Peppermint Mug Cake Tips

Peppermint extract is strong! Do not eyeball this ingredient, it won’t taste wonderful if you over-peppermint.

Make sure your peppermint oil is food grade. This one is great because it comes with a dropper, so you won’t accidentally use too much in your mug cake.

If you don’t have peppermint extract and you don’t want to wait to make this festive mug cake, you can omit it completely.

You’ll still have the peppermint flavor from the crushed candy cane – it just won’t be as strong. You can always add more candy cane if you desire.

Since microwave times may vary, put your mug on a plate or paper towel to catch any potential spills while you’re figuring out the perfect time for your microwave.

Peppermint Mug Cake Variations

Gluten-Free Chocolate Peppermint Mug Cake

For a gluten-free version of this festive mug cake, sub this flour 1:1 for the all-purpose flour.

That’s it!

Triple Peppermint Chocolate Mug Cake

If you really adore the flavors of mint chocolate, you can make this a triple. You have the peppermint extract and the candy canes.

Instead of the chocolate chips, you can use chopped After Eight chocolate squares.

We tried this variation and LOVE it!

Vegan Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mug Cake

For a vegan peppermint chocolate mug cake, use any kind of dairy-free milk you like.

Use dairy-free chocolate chips. These ones are the best!

I used to bake with them all the time when I had my bakery (we made lots of vegan desserts even though I wasn’t vegan!).

And for vegan marshmallows, this brand is SO yummy! I’m still not vegan, and I buy them for my daughter and I to snack on, or put in our hot chocolate.

If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to pick up this flavor marshmallow, which is divine in this mug cake.

If not, this flavor is amazing too, and more available year-round.

Okay, let’s make this hot cocoa peppermint mug cake!

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mug Cake

Yield: 1 serving

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 2 minutes

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Ingredients

• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar, any kind (white, coconut, date, erythritol)
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of sea salt
• 3 tbsp milk, any kind (cow, oat, almond, etc.)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
• ¼ tsp peppermint extract (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
• 1 tbsp crushed candy cane (or peppermint candy)
• 1 tbsp mini marshmallows
• + additional crushed candy cane for topping

Instructions

1. In a microwave-safe mug (10–12 oz size), whisk the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder and salt until combined.
2. Add the milk, oil/butter and peppermint extract, and stir until smooth.
3. Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed candy cane.
4. Microwave on high for about 60-90 seconds (time will vary by microwave).
5. You want it just set on top (it will continue to cook a bit from residual heat).
6. Top with mini marshmallows and a sprinkle of crushed candy cane.
7. If you like, microwave for an additional ~10 seconds to soften the marshmallows.
8. Serve immediately...maybe topped with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Notes

For extra festive flair, swirl in a little white chocolate before microwaving.

For a gluten-free version: substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix.

Watch the cook time carefully - mug cakes can overcook easily and get rubbery.

For more Christmas mug cake recipes, check out: 3 Delicious Christmas Mug Cakes to Try this Holiday Season