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When it comes to holiday treats, nothing is merrier than a batch of cupcakes. And Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis‘ Double Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes features a classic chocolate and mint flavor pairing that’s perfectly festive.

Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis demonstrates a recipe
Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis demonstrates a recipe | Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images

What you’ll need to make Giada De Laurentiis’ Double Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

The Everyday Italian star said of these jolly cupcakes on her food blog Giadzy, “These decadent, moist chocolate mint cupcakes are perfect for the holidays! With peppermint extract in the cupcakes and frosting studded with candy cane pieces, every bite tastes so festive and delicious.”

Easy to make, the recipe features a soft cake. As well, the treat calls for store-bought frosting to make them even simpler to put together for a holiday gathering. And a smattering of mini chocolate chips ensures chocolate lovers enjoy the chocolatey goodness with each mouthful.

How to put these cupcakes together

To start, the recipe’s (recipe quantities and reviews can be found on the Food Network website) dry ingredients are stirred in a bowl: regular granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. De Laurentiis notes to “make a well in the center” of the mixture before adding buttermilk, oil, peppermint extract, and eggs. Stir this all together “until there are just a few streaks remaining.” The chocolate chips are gently folded in with a spatula.

Fill each of the 12 cups in a regular muffin pan “halfway to two-thirds full with batter.” Bake in a preheated 350-degree F oven for 25 minutes.

While the cupcakes are cooling, the container of frosting is stirred in a bowl with one-quarter teaspoon of peppermint extract and starlight mint or candy cane pieces. Spread “a dollop of frosting” on each cake and make it extra festive with a dusting of red sprinkles.

Here’s another holiday dessert recipe from Giada De Laurentiis
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Home cooks agreed De Laurentiis’ cupcakes are a reason to celebrate

Reviewers fell in love with the mint and chocolate flavors in this treat and its playful presentation of candy pieces sprinkled into the creamy frosting.

“I am not a dessert person at all but I tend to make something for my friends at Christmas who totally are.  These turned out to be my number two of all the things I’ve made for them.  I did make mini cakes with some cool mini cake pans I’ve had for years instead of cupcakes as my little different thing. Thank you Giada!,” said one home cook.

Another reviewer added, “Made these delicious, moist cupcakes today to thank my neighbors for helping me with yard work. I kept one for myself and enjoyed it tremendously. They were not too minty, the frosting and crushed candy canes on top are perfect. I used [packaged] whipped fluffy white frosting and it was very good. I did not add extra chocolate chips, but next time I will. Another hit from Giada. I should have taken a photo!”

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