Cookies & Cream Cupcakes

Yes, I've been watching Cupcake Wars again. Why do you ask?

I have made Cookies and Cream Cupcakes before, but I didn't like how they turned out last time. I wanted to give it another try. Then, when I saw the You Capture theme was Circles, I had to make them again.

First, you need to stock up on Oreos - regular ol' fashioned ones and mini ones. (You may have to sample a few to make sure they are OK. After all, the children will be eating these.)







For the cupcake, I used the Joy of Cooking's recipe for Chocolate Cake:

Whisk together thoroughly:
1 1/4 c. sifted flour (*Be sure to sift and then measure as this does make a difference in volume.)
1 T. baking powder
1/4 t. salt

Melt over hot water:
2 oz. unsweetened chocolate (I used semi-sweet.)

Add:
1/3 c. boiling water

In a large bowl, beat at high speed until creamy:
1/2 c. (1 stick) butter

Add and beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes:
1 1/2 c. sugar

Beat in, one at a time:
4 large egg yolks

Add the cooled chocolate mixture. Beating at low speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in 3 parts, alternating with:
1/2 c. milk
Beat the batter smooth after each addition.

Add:
1 t. vanilla

Beat 4 egg whites until stiff and fold into chocolate mixture.

I can't say I am all that impressed with this recipe. For one thing, the batter was so light there clearly was not enough chocolate in it. Next time I might double the chocolate and maybe add a little more flour. Too late this time, though, so I just dumped in a couple handfuls of mini chocolate chips. I'm glad I did because those chips are about the only chocolate I can taste.

I won't go into detail about my icing because mine got too soft. I should have added more powdered sugar, but frankly, I was too lazy. Just use any buttercream recipe for your icing. Here's the thing, though: When I made Cookies and Cream the first time, I put Oreos in my food processor and then mixed them in to the icing. My icing turned a sickly gray color. This time, I gently crushed the Oreos and then folded the crumbs into the icing. Much better this time.



Of course Cookies and Creme Cupcakes are enjoyed most by a circle of adorable, sweet children.



Don't forget to wash the dishes!