Choco-berry surprise

So i got this cupcake recipe off of Here And thought it sounded simply to die for! Hope you all enjoy and give Valerie some props yo! She is super cool and i love her hybrid kits!






They're way too good, and totally simple to make!! It's a boxed devil's food cake base with a chocolate chip cookie baked inside. The icing is a homemade raspberry-chocolate buttercream.

CAKE INGREDIENTS

- 1 box of store bought devils food cake mix & everything that goes along with it
- 1 package of Nestle mini chocolate chip cookies (the break-apart variety)


ICING INGREDIENTS:

- approx. 4c confectioners (powdered) sugar
- 1/2c shortening (I used Crisco butter flavored)
- 1 stick butter (not margarine)
- 1 1/2 tsp. clear vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp. milk
- 1/2 c. finely chopped Ghiradelli chocolate
- 1/2 c. fresh raspberries
- 1 tsp. meringue powder
- just a smidge of Wilton red food coloring (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat to 350' and bake the mini cookies first, they'll take about 11 minutes. Prepare the cake batter while the cookies are in the oven. Spoon about 1 tbsp. of cake batter into your cupcake cups, set aside.

When the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and place your cupcake pan in there with only the tbsp. of batter in each cup. Let it bake for a few minutes, just long enough to create a semi-firm barrier that will seperate your mini cookie from the bottom of the cupcake (get it?)

Next, place one baked mini cookie in each cup, and fill 2/3 of the cup with cake batter. Bake as per the instructions (usually about 25 minutes). Remove and stand to cool.

For the icing, you'll have to bear with me because I make my buttercream from scratch. All measurements are approximate! ^_^

Start by creaming the shortening, (softened - not melted) butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl with a hand mixer on low. Add meringue powder. Slowly start to add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl as you go. Add milk.

Once you're done with the frosting base, you can add the chopped chocolate and raspberries. Continue to blend on low with the mixer until thoroughly blended.

I used a disposable pastry bag to apply my frosting to the cupcakes, without a tip. I just snipped the end off to create a 1/2" opening. Dust with powdered sugar, and that's it!


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On another note if u havent checked out Amy Winehouse u totally should! WOW!! Super awesome! She is playing right now on my player. She kicks major ass.
♥