Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Upping the ante: Peppermint Fudge Cupcakes

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There's a reason I don't keep cake mixes around our casa...

In less than an hour on Christmas Day, I had these baked, frosted, decorated, and shoved in my face.  And, because I didn't want to interrupt anyone's revelry with my offers of cupcake donation, the gluttony continued until I finally decided to test a "do-cupcakes-freeze-well?" theory.

No scoffing allowed at the boxed pedigree of my treats. ;) Trust me when I say these two magical friends make all the difference...
 
















Here's How it Goes:
Pick a deep chocolate-flavored cake mix - I think mine was "Chocolate Fudge," and prepare it for cupcake baking.
*If these had been for an adult crowd, I would've added a teaspoon or two of espresso powder to the mix to make them mocha-licious.
While the cupcakes are in the oven, prepare the Fluffy Icing according to the directions.  While it is mixing, add in a touch of peppermint extract.  I preferred a subtle minty-ness, and used 1/4 tsp, but you could add more.  Careful, though, a little goes a long way.

The kiddos helped crush peppermint candy for decorating - honestly, my favorite touch.

That's it!  Peppermint-Fudge Cupcakes.  Consider it my belated holiday gift to you!