Thursday, December 9, 2010

peppermint white chocolate cupcakes


I reallllly don't like Starbucks. The coffee always tastes burnt + I do not appreciate the high cost for an espresso beverage. However, I do have a soft spot for one Starbucks product.... the peppermint white chocolate mocha complete with a gloriously red holiday cup. This decadent beverage warms my heart + is the perfect holiday treat. Although this drink sets you back about 400+ calories, its nice to indulge once in a while.

Inspired by my favorite holiday beverage I made some chocolate cupcakes with peppermint white chocolate frosting this past weekend for a friend's birthday; mini chocolate cakes swirled with white chocolate-pepperminty buttercream + topped with a candy garnish, they were a delight.

Enjoy.

White Chocolate Peppermint Frosting

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
12 ounce white chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
1-2 cup confectioners' sugar *
1 tsp peppermint extract

In a large bowl beat the butter at medium speed until creamy. Beat in the melted white chocolate. Add confectioners' sugar in stages + peppermint extract. Whip until light and fluffy.

* Add confectioners' sugar until reaches sweetness + consistency desired. May be more or less.

Peppermint Candy Garnish
Evenly space the circular red peppermint candy on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 300 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes. If left in the oven too long candy will turn yellow. After removing from the oven use a pizza cutter to make even (or uneven) cuts through the melted candy. Once hardened, the candy will break apart easily using the cuts as a guide.


7 comments:

  1. Didn't realise that we are consuming 400+ calories for the peppermint mocha...Oh well, it will be a nice treat for holiday. Your cupcakes are great for the holiday season. Got to make something like this for the little kids :D

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  2. Beautiful! I'm definitely going to use this for the holidays!

    Consumed: My Culinary Adventure

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  3. What a great idea! Bravo -- beautiful cupcakes.

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  4. These are so cute! I love the melted peppermints, it's the perfect touch. I wish you didn't live so far away so I could try one. xo jules

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  5. I do love the Starbucks holiday drinks...I don't normally go there the rest of the year, but I can't resist during the holidays.
    Super cute cupcakes!

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  6. I absolutely love what y'all did with the peppermint candies- it's so simple but elegant, and looks gorgeous on the cupcakes!

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  7. These are gorgeous! Love the idea! Megs

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