Ingredients

• all-purpose flour - 1 ½ cups
• granulated sugar - 1 cup
• unsweetened cocoa powder - ⅓ cup
• baking powder - 1 tsp
• baking soda - 1 tsp
• salt - ½ tsp
• eggs - 2 large
• buttermilk - 1 cup
• vegetable oil - ½ cup
• vanilla extract - 1 tsp
• peppermint extract - ½ tsp
• powdered sugar - 3 cups
• butter - ½ cup
• heavy cream - 2 tbsp
• green food coloring - optional
• chocolate chips - ½ cup

Instructions

1. 1.

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.

2. 2.

   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. 3.

   Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.

4. 4.

   Fold in the chocolate chips.

5. 5.

   Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

6. 6.

   Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. 7.

   Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. 8.

   For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream.

9. 9.

   Mix in the peppermint extract and green food coloring if desired until well combined.

10. 10.

    Frost the cooled cupcakes with the mint frosting and enjoy!