Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

In a large bowl combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

In another large bowl cream together the butter and sugar. Add the egg and mix well.

Add in the vanilla and peppermitn extract and mix well.

Add half the flour and cocoa powder mixture to the butter mixture and mix well.

Add the milk and stir until well combined.

Add remaining flour mixture and stir until everything is just combined.

Divide the batter between the muffin cups filling each 3/4 of the way full.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack.

To make the frosting put the butter in a large bowl and mix with mixer on medium high speed.

Add the powdered sugar a half cup at a time until combined.

Stir in the peppermint extract, milk, and a few drops of red food coloring. Mix on medium speed until fluffy.

Pipe the frosting on to the cupcakes. Top with a candy Christmas tree and sprinkles!