Brighten up any occasion with these vibrant M&M Cupcakes! Made with rich chocolate and colorful candy-coated chocolates, these cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because. Easy to bake and fun to decorate, M&M Cupcakes are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. The combination of moist, chocolatey cake and crunchy pieces of M&Ms makes these treats irresistible. Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive celebration, their festive colors and delicious flavors will sweeten any moment. Plus, these cupcakes are absolutely simple to whip up!
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup buttermilk
- 0.5 cup M&Ms, plus extra for topping
Instructions
To begin with your M&M Cupcakes, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners. This step ensures that your cupcakes bake perfectly and don’t stick to the tin.
Next, take a large mixing bowl and combine the dry ingredients. Whisk together 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 0.5 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tsp of baking powder, 0.5 tsp of baking soda, and 0.5 tsp of salt until they are well blended. This mixture will become the foundation of your delicious cupcakes.
In a separate bowl, pour in 0.5 cup of melted unsalted butter, add 2 large eggs, and splash in 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The butter gives the cupcakes their moist texture, while the eggs provide structure and binding.
Now it’s time to bring your mixtures together. Gradually pour in 0.5 cup of buttermilk into the wet ingredients, stirring gently as you do so. Continue to combine the two mixtures by slowly adding the dry ingredients to the wet one. Mix everything together until just incorporated; you don’t want to overmix, as that could lead to tough cupcakes.
Once your batter is well combined, it’s time for the fun part! Gently fold in 0.5 cup of M&Ms into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout.
Now, it’s time to fill those cupcake liners! Divide the batter evenly among them, filling each liner about two-thirds full to allow for rising. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of one of the cupcakes; if it comes out clean, they are ready.
After baking, let the cupcakes cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re cool, you can finish them off by topping with additional M&Ms for that extra burst of color and flavor!
Variations
There are countless ways to enjoy and customize your M&M Cupcakes! For a different flavor profile, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate flavor. You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version of these treats.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider using flavored M&Ms, like peanut butter or caramel, for a fun twist on the classic. For a festive touch, consider incorporating seasonal sprinkles along with the M&Ms, especially for holidays such as Halloween or Christmas!
Additionally, you can experiment with frosting options. For example, top your cupcakes with chocolate ganache for an extra chocolatey indulgence, or try a simple vanilla buttercream for a classic combination. Cream cheese frosting can also be a delightful pairing, bringing tangy notes to balance the sweetness of the cupcakes.
Cooking Notes
When making M&M Cupcakes, remember that room temperature ingredients yield the best results. Bring your eggs and buttermilk to room temperature before using them in your batter; this helps create a more uniform mix and a fluffier texture.
Be sure not to overbake the cupcakes! Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking, as ovens may vary slightly. A toothpick test is your best friend here—removing them from the oven while they are still slightly moist ensures that they stay moist and tender.
As for tools, a good-quality muffin tin is essential, and silicone spatulas work wonders for folding in the M&Ms without crushing them. And when it comes to decorating, a piping bag makes frosting a breeze, letting you create those beautifully styled cupcakes!
Serving Suggestions
Your M&M Cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a lively birthday party or a casual afternoon treat. For serving, arrange them on a platter and ensure that the colorful tops are facing upwards for maximum visual appeal.
You can also pair these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience! If it’s a warm day, they go wonderfully well with a glass of cold milk or even a refreshing iced coffee to balance the sweetness.
Tips
- For fluffy cupcakes, avoid overmixing the batter.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before decorating.
- Mix in some chopped nuts for added texture.
- Experiment with different flavored extracts like almond or coconut for unique flavor profiles.
- Remember that using fresh ingredients will improve the taste of your cupcakes.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 250 per cupcake
Protein: 3g per cupcake
Sodium: 150mg per cupcake
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cupcake batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply let it come to room temperature before baking.
How do I store leftover cupcakes?
Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Just be sure to separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze M&M Cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
What’s the best way to decorate these cupcakes?
Use a piping bag to create beautiful swirls of frosting, then top with M&Ms for a vibrant and eye-catching finish. You can also sprinkle additional cocoa powder or sprinkles for extra flair!
Are these cupcakes suitable for vegans?
To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and replace buttermilk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar.
Conclusion
In conclusion, M&M Cupcakes are a delightful treat that brings joy to any gathering. With their rich chocolate flavor and colorful candy pieces, they’re not just visually appealing but also absolutely delicious. Don’t hesitate to try these easy-to-make cupcakes for your next event or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your friends or leave a comment below. We’d love to hear how your M&M Cupcakes turned out! Happy baking!
Print
Deliciously Fun M&M Cupcakes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Brighten up any occasion with these vibrant M&M Cupcakes!
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup buttermilk
- 0.5 cup M&Ms, plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Combine the dry ingredients: whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients into wet, adding buttermilk gradually, then fold in M&Ms.
- Divide batter among liners, filling two-thirds full, and bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Cool in tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
- Top with additional M&Ms if desired.
Notes
Room temperature ingredients yield the best results. Avoid overbaking to keep cupcakes moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 3 g