Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes
Though I’m not always a fan of chocolate cake, I do love the idea of a peppermint mocha-inspired Christmassy treat – and I think this Martha Stewart recipe provides just the excuse to add a bit of peppermint extract into the icing (or batter, for even more of a kick!). I decorated these cupcakes with edible markers and wafer paper to resemble the spinning wheel in Oogie Boogie’s lair.
Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes
CUPCAKES
¾ c unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ c all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
¾ c unsalted butter, room temperature
1 c sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ c sour cream
FROSTING
2¼ c confectioners' sugar
¼ c unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
6 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1½ sticks unsalted butter, softened
9 oz bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
3/4 cup sour cream
Peppermint extract (if desired)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 12-cup standard muffin tin with paper liners.
Into a medium bowl, sift together cocoa, flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each, then beat in vanilla. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture in two batches, alternating with sour cream and beginning and ending with flour.
Pour batter into cups, filling each 3/4 full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes.
Cool in pan 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then spread with Easy White Icing using a table knife or small offset spatula. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.
FROSTING
Sift together sugar, cocoa, and salt.
Beat cream cheese and butter with a mixer on medium-high speed until smooth. Reduce speed to medium-low; gradually add sugar-cocoa mixture, and beat until combined. Pour in chocolate in a slow, steady stream. Add sour cream and peppermint extract; beat until combined.
Top: Vixen by Micheline Pitt Bad Girl Crop Top in Raven Black
Skirt: Unique Vintage 1950's Green Light Up Christmas Tree High-waisted Skirt (0ld)
Lips: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in American Doll
Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer in Ebony
