Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

I frequently visit food blogs. Reading the experiences of fellow novice bakers and non-novice bakers is one of my favorite things to do. Last month, while reading one of my favorite cupcake blogs, I came across a post about her experience in Foodie Penpals. 

What is Foodie Penpals you ask? Having the exact same question, I read on to discover it is a program by which you get paired up with a blogger (or reader) and you send your pen pal a box of food. She received delicious treats that were new and exciting to her. What a great way to try new things and for me, to get the inspiration for my next cupcake creation! I immediately signed up for the month of June.

(Click the badge to the right for all the details.)

My first experience with Foodie Penpals did not disappoint. First of all, let me tell you, that the two bloggers (one I sent a package to, the other sent me one) I was paired with are some of the sweetest women that I know. This month was a tough one for my hometown with it being hit with another devastating and even more ferocious wildfire. After experiencing a rough day, I collected a bunch of yummy Colorado goodies and poured my heart out in a note and sent the box out. Immediately upon receiving the items, Carrie of Season it Already! responded with heartfelt words and thanks for the items she received. Wow, it made it day. 

A few days later, I received my glorious package of sweat treats! Again, it made my day! Elle of The Clean Project, put a lot of thought into a collection of yummy ingredients for cupcake making! It was hard to pick just one for today's cupcake. But I ended up choosing the cinnamon because it's Elle's favorite. This Pensy's original is Tung Hing Cinnamon. To me, it smells like red hots and is very vibrant in flavor. Perfect for a very cinnamon-y cupcake! I also received yummy mint hot chocolate mix, cookie butter, caramel popcorn, coconut chocolate bar, and a lovely hand written note. 

I can't wait to make future cupcakes creations with these treats!

Snickerdoodle cupcakes are a Snickerdoodle base with a Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting topped with a Snickerdoodle Cookie. Yum!

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes
adapted from The Cupcake Project Ultimate Vanilla Cupcake

preheat oven to 400 degrees

1 cup caster sugar

10 ounces cake flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened

1/3 cup of vegetable oil

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 tsp vanilla bean paste

1/3 cup of sour cream, full fat

2/3 cup heavy whipping cream

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. 
2. Add butter and mix on medium-low speed for three minutes. You will end up with a very fine crumb texture. 
3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sour cream, oil, cream, and vanillas until smooth. 
4. Slowly add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and mix with a wooden spoon until just combined. Do not over mix. 

Fill cupcake liners just over 1/2 full. Makes about 18 cupcakes. Bake for 12 minutes. Because of the high temperature, they will appear golden brown with specks of vanilla bean. Set aside to cool.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

1 1/2 packages (12 ounces) cream cheese, slightly softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
1 tsp of cinnamon
3-4 cups powdered sugar
salt to taste

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, cream cheese and softened butter.
2. Add vanilla, cinnamon, extract and salt. Mix well.
3. Add as much powdered sugar to get desired consistency. Mix well.

Place in piping bag and chill until ready to frost cupcakes.