Candy Cane Cupcakes

I hope you don't think it is too early for a Christmas post.

I know, I know, most of us bloggers bowl right over Thanksgiving and head full blast into Christmas (like, the day after Halloween).

And, I'm kind of doing that now aren't I?

But I promise over the next few weeks I will also include Thanksgiving recipes... (Oh wait, Thanksgiving IS in a couple of weeks!)

For now, let's just enjoy these fun Holiday cupcakes, shall we?

I just love the pairing of chocolate and mint, especially when THIS mint frosting includes delectable cream cheese.

Candy Canes...

SWOON

These impressive cupcakes make the perfect work treat or star for your Holiday table! You can use your favorite Chocolate cupcake recipe for this, here is one of mine:

For the Cupcakes:
(makes 18-24 cupcakes)

3/4 cup cocoa powder, sifted
3/4 cup hot water
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
2 1/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs, room temp
4 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup sour cream, room temp

For the Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temp
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon mint extract
2-3 Tablespoons heavy cream

Red gel food coloring, for the swirl

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake tins with paper liners.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and hot water until smooth, set aside. 
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda/powder, and salt; set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and sugar over medium heat. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is completely melted. Remove the mixture from the heat and transfer to a large heat proof bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. 
4. Beat on medium for 4-5 minutes, until the mixture is cooled. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, being sure to scrape the sides as you go. Mix in the vanilla and then the cocoa/water mixture. 
5. With the mixer on low, slowly add in your dry flour mixture, alternating with the sour cream (starting and ending with the flour mixture). 
6. Pour batter into prepared cupcake tins, 2/3 of the way full, and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 
7. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on your counter top or wire rack. 

To make the frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the butter on medium heat for a couple of minutes until smooth. Add in the cream cheese and beat until just combined. Slowly add in the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until it is full combined. Add in the vanilla and mint extract and beat just until incorporated. Mix in the heavy cream, 1 Tablespoon at a time, until you have reached your desired consistency. *Milk can be substituted for the cream, but I love the thickness and richness the cream adds.

To achieve the swirl:

In your piping bag, using a toothpick, draw 2 parallel lines with your red gel coloring (on both sides).

Carefully spoon in your prepared frosting, cut a large tip on the bottom, and pipe frosting on to your cooled cupcakes. 

I like to use 2 piping bags for this, and split the frosting in half, to achieve a brighter swirl.

The mint isn't too overpowering in these cupcakes and pairs so well with the smooth cream cheese frosting and dark chocolate cupcake.

Enjoy! And Happy Holidays!

*recipe adapted from Glorious Treats