Name: M&M Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
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)

Spread the love

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Bring a burst of joy to any occasion with this M&M Cupcakes Recipe, a delightful batch of Colorful Chocolate Cupcakes that combine moist chocolate cake with vibrant M&M candies. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a fun baking day, these cupcakes are easy to make and guaranteed to steal the show. With the M&M Cupcakes Recipe, you’ll create a sweet, festive treat that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love M&M Cupcakes Recipe

I’m absolutely in love with this M&M Cupcakes Recipe because it’s a playful Colorful Chocolate Cupcakes treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The rich chocolate base, studded with crunchy M&Ms, delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for kids’ parties, family gatherings, or a cheerful pick-me-up, these cupcakes are simple to whip up and endlessly customizable. They’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Ingredients for M&M Cupcakes Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need for the M&M Cupcakes Recipe (makes 12 cupcakes):

1.5 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup M&Ms, plus extra for topping

Equipment

12-cup muffin tin
Cupcake liners
Mixing bowls
Whisk or electric mixer
Wire rack
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredient Tips

Cocoa Powder: High-quality unsweetened cocoa (e.g., Ghirardelli) enhances chocolate flavor.
Buttermilk: No buttermilk? Mix ½ cup milk with ½ tbsp lemon juice or vinegar and let sit 5 minutes.
M&Ms: Regular or mini M&Ms work; use holiday-themed colors for festive occasions.
Butter: Melted unsalted butter ensures a moist crumb; control saltiness with kosher salt.
Flour: Measure accurately to avoid dense cupcakes; spoon and level, don’t pack.

Directions for M&M Cupcakes Recipe

Let’s bake this vibrant M&M Cupcakes Recipe!

Preheat and Prep

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners for easy cleanup.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, I whisk together 1.5 cups flour, ½ cup cocoa powder, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, I mix ½ cup melted butter, 2 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Incorporate Buttermilk

I gradually add ½ cup buttermilk to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until fully blended for a silky texture.

Blend the Mixtures

I slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to keep the M&M Cupcakes Recipe batter light and fluffy, avoiding overmixing.

Add M&Ms

I gently fold in ½ cup M&Ms, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without overmixing to preserve the batter’s texture.

Fill and Bake

I divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full. I bake for 18–20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool

I let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Decorate

I top each cooled cupcake with extra M&Ms for a colorful, festive finish that makes these Colorful Chocolate Cupcakes pop.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: ~220 kcal per serving (1 cupcake, without frosting)
Macros per Serving: 30g carbs, 3g protein, 10g fat, 1g fiber

Variations for M&M Cupcakes Recipe

Try these twists on the M&M Cupcakes Recipe:

Frosted Delight: Add chocolate or vanilla buttercream for a richer Colorful Chocolate Cupcakes experience.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly Colorful Chocolate Cupcakes treat.
Peanut M&Ms: Swap regular M&Ms for peanut M&Ms for a nutty crunch.
Mocha Boost: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to the batter for a coffee-charged twist.
Sprinkle Mix: Combine M&Ms with sprinkles for an extra festive look.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Cookie Dough Brownies for a decadent dessert spread.
Serve with a glass of milk or hot chocolate for a classic Colorful Chocolate Cupcakes pairing.
Offer at a birthday party with ice cream for a fun, kid-friendly treat.

Storage

I store the M&M Cupcakes Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and moist. For longer storage, I refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week, bringing them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. To freeze, I wrap unfrosted cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. I thaw at room temperature for 1–2 hours and add fresh M&Ms or frosting before serving to revive their vibrancy.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Display the M&M Cupcakes Recipe on a colorful cake stand to highlight their vibrant M&Ms.
Garnish: Add extra M&Ms or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Pairing: Enjoy with milk, coffee, or hot chocolate to complement M&M Cupcakes Recipe.
Temperature: Serve at room temperature for the softest, most flavorful texture.
Portion Size: One cupcake per person for a perfectly portioned treat.

FAQs About M&M Cupcakes Recipe

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this M&M Cupcakes Recipe:

Can I use mini M&Ms in this recipe?
Yes, mini M&Ms are a great alternative! They will distribute more evenly throughout the batter and provide a fun, colorful touch. Just be sure to adjust the quantity slightly if you prefer a more or less intense M&M flavor.

Can I substitute buttermilk with another ingredient?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use a combination of milk and an acidic ingredient. For each 1/2 cup of buttermilk, add 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream as a substitute.

How can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
To make gluten-free M&M Cupcakes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure that your other ingredients are also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but the cupcakes will still be delicious.

Can I frost these cupcakes, and if so, what kind of frosting would you recommend?
Absolutely! M&M Cupcakes can be frosted with a variety of options. A classic choice is chocolate buttercream, which complements the chocolate flavor of the cupcakes. Vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting are also great options. Frost the cupcakes once they are completely cooled to prevent the frosting from melting.

Can I use a different candy instead of M&Ms?
Yes, you can swap M&Ms for other candies like chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, or chopped candy bars for a unique twist. Adjust quantities to taste.

Can I make these cupcakes vegan?
Yes, use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and egg replacers (like flax eggs) for the batter, and ensure M&Ms or alternative candies are vegan-friendly.

More Summer Dessert Ideas You’ll Love

Conclusion

These M&M Cupcakes are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. The combination of rich chocolate and colorful M&Ms makes them a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy baking and indulging in these cheerful cupcakes that are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!