Mint Chocolate Cupcakes

Awhile back I made these Mint Chocolate Cupcakes which were amazing. They are one of my all time favorites. Great for those people who love mint chocolate chip ice cream.

I used a basic chocolate cake recipe and added mini chocolate chips to it.

Stolen from: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Extreme-Chocolate-Cake/Detail.aspx
The recipe above includes a frosting recipe which I didn't use. I just used my buttercream recipe and added peppermint extract & mint green food coloring to it.

Buttercream:
1/2 c shortening
1/2 c. butter
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4 c. powdered sugar
3-4 tbsp milk
a few drops of mint extract
few drops mint green food coloring

Cream together butter & shortening. Add vanilla & mix. Then add powder sugar 1 cup at a time when it starts getting too thick add in a tablespoon of milk and mix. If still too thick add more milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it gets too thin because you added to much milk just add more powdered sugar. Then add a couple drops of mint extract.. start out small and taste. If it's not minty enough add more. You don't want it to be overpowered by the mint taste. Then add the food coloring & mix until you get your desired color.

Frost the cupcakes :)

I then added mini chocolate chips to the top or you could add an mint chocolate candy to the top for decoration.

Then.. ENJOY!

With Love,
Cheri