CHRISTMAS BAKING #1: CHOCOLATE HOLLY CUPCAKES

Hello everyone and welcome to the first baking instalment of December! I wanted to kick Christmas baking off with something simple, yet obviously yummy and chocolate cupcakes tick both of those boxes. This recipe could of course be used at any time of year, all you would have to do is switch up the decoration on top and you would be good to go. Also this particular chocolate "frosting" topping is a new recipe and it is literally heavenly.

to make the cupcakes you will need:

| 12 cupcake cases | 125g self raising flour | 50g cocoa powder | 175g softened unsalted butter | 

| 175g caster sugar | 3 eggs | 1tsp baking powder |

method:

First things first, you are going to want to pre-heat your oven to gas mark 4/180c/350f and then line your baking trays with the cupcake cases. Then you are going to want to start on your cupcake mixture, take the sugar, butter and eggs and place them all in your mixer or bowl whichever way you prefer to make your mixture up. Then you are going to want to start mixing the ingredients on a low speed and gradually add the sifted flour, cocoa powder and baking powder, then slowly start to speed up the mixer. Mix all together until combined and smooth. Next you are going to want to take your mixture and spoon them into your cupcake cases and place in your pre-heated oven for 22-25 minutes, once out of the oven leave to cool completely.

to make the frosting you will need:

| 75g dark chocolate | 35g unsalted butter | 100g mascarpone | 165g icing sugar |

method:

First things first you are going to want to melt the dark chocolate in a bowl, over simmering water and leave to cool. Then to make the frosting/topping you are going to want to beat the butter and the mascarpone together before adding half of the sifted icing sugar, then beat until well combined before adding in the other half of the sifted icing sugar. Add in the cooled melted dark chocolate and mix again until well combined, by adding the dark chocolate it makes the frosting this beautiful moose-like topping that honestly tastes so delicious. All that is left to do then is decorate using some red and green ready roll icing cut into holly shapes and dust with a light sprinkling of icing sugar for a Christmas-y/Snowy effect.

See you tomorrow for an all new post at 5PM GMT...

xo.