Chocolate Chip Cupcakes....a yummy treat for your family :)

Where were you when the world stopped turning? Together we pause to remember the victims, to grieve with the families and friends of those who died, and to honor the heroes of that day and each day since who have sacrificed to save lives and serve their country.

Usually I like to cook and bake from scratch. I decied that my readers/followers would like a simple and very GOOD recipe that is pretty quick because you use a cake mix. So....here it is! I hope you enjoy these cupcakes.

CHOCOLATE CHIP CUPCAKES

Ingredients
1 package (18-1/4 ounces) yellow cake mix
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup water
1/2 cup canola oil
4 eggs
1 cup (6 ounces) miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1 can (16 ounces) chocolate or vanilla frosting
Additional miniature semisweet chocolate chips, optional
Directions
•In a large bowl, combine the cake and pudding mixes, water, oil and
eggs; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2
minutes. Stir in chocolate chips.

•Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 375° for
18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes
out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool
completely. Frost cupcakes. Sprinkle with additional chips if
desired. We used sprinkles on a few cupcakes...just because our youngest wanted pretty sprinkles. Here is the cupcake that he decorated for himself. Pretty cute huh?

~~CHOCOLATE SOUR CREAM FROSTING~~
1 pound (4 cups) confectioners' sugar, sifted
3/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups sour cream

Directions
Sift together confectioners' sugar, cocoa, and salt. With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat cream cheese and butter until pale and fluffy. Reduce speed to low. Gradually add sugar mixture; mix until combined. Mix in sour cream; scrape down sides of bowl and continue beating until smooth.

If you like you can leave the cupcakes unfrosted....they are very good that way too. They are so moist and the little chips add the perfect chocolate flavor. Don't get me wrong...they are great with the frosting too...and much more fun for your little helpers! You know how kids love to decorate especially with sprinkles! lol

Have a wonderful weekend. We are still waiting for the rain to clear up so we can continue on with our harvest. Please remember to leave me a comment and just say hi or tell me what your plans for the weekend are. :)