Wrapped in Sugar

Christmas is creeping around the corner. Family members are either stressed buying presents or eagerly waiting for their presents. Many people are making cookies for Santa, but the real prize is eating the cookie dough with the family when done baking. These easy and unique recipes will make anyone's mouth water and bring the family together to celebrate Christmas. The first recipe is known to warm a person up.

                                          Hot Chocolate Cupcakes 

                Makes- 28 cupcakes Prep time- 20 minutes Cook time- 18 minutes

Ingredients for cupcakes:

• 2 cups all purpose flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar 

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons baking soda

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup hot water

Buttercream:

• ¾ cups unsalted butter

• 1 (7 oz) container marshmallow creme (fluff)

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mini marshmallows (optional) 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and get the muffin tins with cupcake liners ready.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix fully.

3. Add in wet ingredients like vanilla, eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth, and then pour some hot water. Mix again. Batter should be very thin.

4. Pour about 2/3s of batter into cupcake liners because cupcakes rise. Bake for 16-19 minutes. Test it out by sticking a toothpick in a cupcake and seeing if it comes out clean.

5. For frosting, beat softened butter with a mixer, or have the strongest family member beat it down,  until smooth and creamy.

6. Add in marshmallow creme and beat until combined.

7. Lastly, add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined and smooth.

                                                    Chocolate Peppermint Cookie

Even if the family is far away, these chocolate peppermint cookies will bring great joy to the winter holidays. Perfect for gifting, eating alone, or sharing them by a nice fire. These cookies will make Santa want to come everyday! 

                            Makes- 18 cookies    Prep Time- 15 Minutes    Cook Time- 10 Minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 6 tablespoons cocoa powder

• ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup unsalted butter

• ¾ cup light brown sugar

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 egg yolks

• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste/extract

• ½ cup peppermint chips, (can use Andes brand)

• ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

(2 tablespoons crushed candy cane optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Add softened, unsalted butter to the bowl. You can soften it by microwaving it for 10 seconds. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar, then mix with an electric mixer or hand-mix for two minutes.

3. Add egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Mix in mixer on medium speed for two minutes, or until pale and fluffy.

4. Add in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined.

5. Add in peppermint and chocolate chips. Mix until evenly distributed.

6. Make the dough into 18 balls and place them two inches apart on baking pan.

7. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes.

8. Add crushed candy canes on top for decoration.