Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting

One thing you should know about me is that I love, Love, LOVE holidays! And so on the day before Valentine's Day, I couldn't resist posting a Valentine's Day recipe. Aren't we looking for something sweet and at least a little chocolate-y on V-Day?  (Can I get an 'Amen') So today we are making:

Red Velvet Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting

Shopping List:

Duncan Hines Signature Red Velvet Cake Mix

(If you thought this chef-in-the-making was going 

to post only recipes made from scratch, you came

 to the wrong blog. As much as I love baking, sometimes its about 

fast and easy. Life is a little bit crazy. Right?)

1 1/4 C Water

1/3 C Vegetable Oil

3 Large Eggs

1 C Chocolate Chips

Frosting:

Duncan Hines Creamy Homestyle Cream Cheese Frosting (14oz)

(Once again, don't judge me...)

Duncan Hines Frosting Creations Peppermint Frosting Mix

Decorations:

Fun Cupcake Papers

Valentine's Day Sprinkles
(I found these in the dollar bins at Target)

Any other decorations you wish to use...

1. Preheat oven to 350 (or 325 for dark or nonstick pans). Place cupcake papers in cupcake baking tins.

2. Prepare cupcakes according to box instructions: Blend cake mix, water, oil and eggs in a large bowl at low speed until moistened (about 30 seconds). Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.

3. Fold in chocolate chips.

4. Dish cupcake mix into cupcake papers.

5. Bake according to box instructions: Bake 19-22 mins. (Add 3-5 minutes to bake time for dark or coated pans.) Cake is done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 15 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.

6. Mix peppermint frosting mix into cream cheese frosting. Frost cupcakes, add sprinkles and decorations.

7. Enjoy! 

Today is also Ash Wednesday. I'm not big into giving things up for 

Lent - although I recognize it is meaningful for many people. 

What are some other ways you prepare your heart and mind over

 this 40 day season for the death and resurrection of our Savior on 

Easter Sunday? I am looking for suggestions!

Happy Baking!