Chocolate Espresso Cinnamon Cupcakes

I went into the office a few weeks ago and I love taking cupcakes when I go in. I have several coworkers who absolutely LOVE coffee and I thought I’d make a coffee based cupcake for them to enjoy. Chocolate is a fantastic compliment to coffee and cinnamon really rounds out the trio.These cupcakes are super fluffy and full of fantastic coffee flavor. The frosting on top was described as “heavenly” by several of my coworkers. It is made with real coffee, espresso powder and cinnamon all in a buttercream base. I chose to sprinkle cinnamon over top to balance out the coffee flavor, however you can use whatever you like, cocoa powder, espresso powder or cinnamon.[amd-yrecipe-recipe:122]

Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

These cupcakes got rave reviews from everyone who tasted them. They have a wonderful blend of fall spices and the cake itself is super moist. But in my opinion, the best part of these cupcakes has GOT to be the frosting. The frosting is super creamy and the cream cheese and cinnamon pair perfectly to give just the best possible compliment to the cupcakes.Normally I don’t much like my desserts without chocolate in or on them but these seem to be an exception.  If you really wanted to include some chocolate, this recipe would lend itself to a nice chocolate glaze over the top of the cupcakes before frosting them. I however, wouldn’t suggest doing this since you could easily overpower the fall flavors.This recipe only makes a dozen cupcakes. However, it is super easy to double or triple if you need more. When I made these, I made them with canned pumpkin so I can’t really say how they will turn out when you use fresh pumpkin puree. I would suggest having a little bit of extra flour on hand if the dough seems super wet.I’ve decorated them with nonpareils which are completely optional. You could sprinkle them with a little bit more cinnamon or even a tiny bit of nutmeg. Nonpareils were just my easiest option since I already had them on hand.[amd-yrecipe-recipe:106]Source: Cake adapted from Kiss My Bundt – Chrysta Wilson

Cinco De Mayo – Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

Growing up every year we would “celebrate” cinco de mayo by having tacos and other Mexican food. If you aren’t familiar with Cinco De Mayo it is the annual Mexican celebration that commemorates the Mexican Army’s triumph over the French in 1862 at the Battle of Puebla. It is celebrated in the US and Mexico and is a great source of Mexican pride. My family isn’t the slightest bit Mexican, but we love to celebrate each year by enjoying Mexican food.I have a few recipes already on the blog you might enjoy if you’re looking for a last minute addition to your own Cinco De Mayo fest:Spicy Lime GuacamoleHomemade Taco Seasoning

If you still need a dessert for your celebration tonight these cookies are the perfect addition! Normally I make tacos every year, but I wanted to showcase something different this year. These cookies are slightly spicy and VERY chocolaty! If you haven’t ever had Mexican Hot Chocolate before you are missing out! It is a great light chocolate base with cinnamon and cayenne pepper added. This gives it more depth and flavor than your traditional hot chocolate. Alex took these cookies to work and everyone absolutely loved them!

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Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies:½ Cup Unsalted Butter½ Cup Shortening1 Cup Brown Sugar½ Sugar2 Eggs½ Teaspoon Vanilla1 Teaspoon Cinnamon¼ Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper1 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt6 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder1 ¾ Cups +2 Tablespoons FlourChocolate Chips (optional)Preheat the oven to 350.

Combine the butter, shortening and sugars until light and fluffy.Add the eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, cayenne, baking soda, salt and cocoa powder. Mix until well combined.

Add the flour and stir until well combined. Remove from the stand mixer and using a spatula mix in the chocolate chips if using.

Refrigerate for at least two hours. Using a cookie scoop place the cookie batter on a cookie sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool on a rack completely before serving.

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