Making Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes is straightforward. Follow these steps to create these delightful treats:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well mixed.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Boiling Water: Slowly stir in the boiling water to the batter. The batter will be thin, which is normal.
6. Fill Cupcake Liners: Pour the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake: Place the cupcake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix well. Add the heavy cream and peppermint extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.
10. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them generously with the peppermint frosting.
11. Garnish: Sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch.

These steps will guide you in creating these incredible cupcakes effortlessly.