Thin Mint Cupcakes

Anybody want Girl Scout cookies? I had a sudden craving for Thin Mints today, so I captured the flavor in these cupcakes. I started with a chocolate cupcake recipe. I used one from The Alchemist. It was super moist, like the recipe promised. I made an Oreo cookie crust by scraping the filling out of one package of cookies, crushing them, and mixing them with one stick of melted butter. I put enough Oreo crumbs to coat the bottom of the cupcake liner, then scooped the cupcake batter into the liner with an ice cream scoop.

Fresh out of the oven.

I wanted the minty flavor of Thin Mints to come through in the cupcakes, so I made whipped white chocolate ganache, again from The Alchemist. I added a large dash of peppermint extract to give it the minty flavor I was looking for. Mine didn't whip up very well, but I filled the cupcakes with it anyway, and it was delicious.

Filled with the peppermint white chocolate ganache.

I thought an extra burst of chocolate would make the cupcake better. Is there anything chocolate doesn't make better? I watch Food Network far too much, and I recently saw Ina Garten on Barefoot Contessa. She made chocolate ganache cupcakes, so I borrowed her chocolate ganache recipe. You can find it here at Food Network. I dipped a few cupcakes into it, but they fell apart, and it was not pretty. I ultimately ended up spooning the ganache over the cupcakes and garnishing with a mint leave to hide imperfections. Just so you know, I do not do well with caffeine, and one fourth of a cupcake kept me up until midnight. If you have kids, replace the coffee with decaf or water. Also, the taste improves slightly given a day or two. I'm not saying don't eat them, but leftovers will be no worse for the wear.

Chocolatey Minty perfection.

Keep it Sweet,

Mira