Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch-processed preferred
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
  • 1 cup (2 sticks/226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3-4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • Green gel food coloring (a few drops, to desired shade)
  • Edible gold sprinkles
  • Shamrock-shaped sprinkles or candies

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cupcake tin with liners.
  2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until well combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and peppermint extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  5. Carefully pour in the boiling water and mix until the batter is smooth and thin.
  6. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let cupcakes cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the heavy cream, until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Stir in peppermint extract and green food coloring.
  10. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the mint buttercream frosting. Decorate with edible gold sprinkles and/or shamrock-shaped sprinkles or candies.