Martha Challenge #48 and #49- Holliday cupcakes!

It's been a good long while since I've baked, not since Thanksgiving. I was sick for an entire week after, so I didn't think baking was the best idea. All better now!
I made two Martha recipes yesterday, Chocolate-Peppermint and Gingerbread cupcakes. Yum! Very festive.
First, the chocolate peppermint. These are very much like her one-bowl chocolate cupcakes, with the addition of peppermint extract instead of vanilla. I made a dozen regular and 24 minis, and topped them with a peppermint buttercream frosting. I also added mini candy canes on the big ones, and candy cane sprinkles on the minis.

These were great, made the whole place smell amazing too! Next time maybe I'll add some espresso powder to make them mocha peppermint. Yum!



Next up was gingerbread. I usually don't care for the smell of molasses, which is crucial to any good gingerbread cupcake, but these were excellent. The batter was so rich and creamy, it almost looked like peanut butter. I got 16 regulars and 20 minis out of this batch, and topped them with cream cheese frosting. I added holly berry sprinkles and mini gingerbread sprinkles on these. I just love themed sprinkles!These are denser, with a caramelized top, not as soft on the outside, but still yummy on the inside!

I am now fully in the holiday spirit, and can't wait to make some cake pops or bites from the leftovers.
Next week I might try french macarons. Wish me luck!