Mint Patty Cakes

I love York Peppermint Patties. The dark chocolate covering of the peppermint filling is my favorite type of candy (along with nuts and caramel too). You could easily on any given day find peppermint patties in my freezer. They are delicious frozen.

These tasty cupcakes taste just like a York Peppermint Pattie. I wish I could take credit for making these delightful cupcakes but, the credit goes to my husband who made them because he knew I would enjoy them. I hope that you enjoy them too.

Mint Patty Cakes

Makes 24 cupcakes

Recipe from Food Network

Ingredients:

For The Cupcakes

3 sticks unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder

3-1/4 cups packed dark brown sugar

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

1-1/4 cups buttermilk

2 large eggs, at room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For The Topping

1 1-pound box confectioners' sugar (about 4 cups)

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1/4 cup vegetable shortening or cocoa butter, softened

2 teaspoons peppermint extract

For The Glaze

8 ounces-bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1-1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions:
1. Make the cupcakes: Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 Degrees F. Line two 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners. Put the butter, cocoa powder and 3/4 cup water in a medium microwave safe bowl, cover with plastic wrap and microwave until the butter melts, about 2 minutes. Whisk to combine, then whisk in the brown sugar.

2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Whisk in the warm cocoa mixture. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla; stir into the batter until just combined but don't overmix.

3. Divide the batter among the prepared cups, filling each about three-quarters of the way. Bake until the cupcakes spring back when touched, 30-35 minutes. Let cool in the pans 10 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely.

4. Make the topping: beat the confectioners' sugar, corn syrup, shortening and peppermint extract with a mixer until a tight paste forms. Gather into a ball, place between two sheets parchment paper and roll out to 1/4 inch thick ( microwave 15 seconds to soften, if necessary). Use a 2-1/2-inch round cutter or juice glass to cut into disks; reroll the scraps. Place a peppermint disk on top of each cupcake.

5. Make the glaze: put the chocolate, corn syrup, butter and 1/4 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with plastic and microwave on 50 percent power until chocolate melts, about 2 minutes. Whisk to combine, then cool slightly. Spread glaze over peppermint topping, leaving some peppermint exposed. Referigerate until set, at least 20 minutes. Serve cold.

Enjoy!