These Chocolate-covered Christmas Cake Puffs are the perfect festive treat for the holidays. With a rich, chocolatey interior and a smooth, decadent chocolate topping, these mini cake puffs are sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering. They’re easy to make and will impress everyone with their delicious flavor and perfect bite-size portions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk.
- Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake puffs cool in the tin for a few minutes before removing them.
- Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler.
- Dip the tops of each cooled puff into the melted chocolate, ensuring they’re fully coated.
- Dust the tops with powdered sugar for a festive touch and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 25-27 minutes
- Servings: 24 cake puffs
Variations
- Flavor Add-ins: You can add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a minty twist or mix in some mini chocolate chips to make the interior even more indulgent.
- Decorations: Instead of powdered sugar, consider decorating the cake puffs with festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes for an extra holiday touch.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make this recipe dairy-free.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover cake puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: If you prefer your cake puffs warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to slightly melt the chocolate topping again.
10 FAQs
- Can I use regular muffin tins instead of mini muffin tins?
Yes, you can use regular muffin tins, but you will need to adjust the baking time. Bake for about 15-18 minutes instead of 10-12. - Can I freeze the cake puffs?
Yes, you can freeze the uncoated cake puffs. Place them in an airtight container, and they will last in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw them and dip in melted chocolate. - What can I use instead of cocoa powder?
You can use melted chocolate, but you’ll need to adjust the amount (about 2 ounces of melted chocolate to replace 1/2 cup cocoa powder). - Do I have to dip the cake puffs in chocolate?
No, dipping in chocolate is optional. You could leave them plain or drizzle chocolate over the top instead. - Can I add nuts to the batter?
Yes, chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would make a great addition to the batter for added crunch. - How do I know when the puffs are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of one of the puffs. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re done. - Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Yes, milk chocolate will work, but it will make the topping sweeter. - How can I make the cake puffs less sweet?
Reduce the sugar in the batter by 1/4 cup or opt for a less sweet chocolate for dipping. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just dust with powdered sugar right before serving. - Can I use a different type of extract?
Yes, vanilla extract is the most common, but almond or hazelnut extract could give a unique twist to the flavor.
Conclusion
Chocolate-covered Christmas Cake Puffs are an irresistible treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the soft texture of mini cakes. Perfect for holiday parties or as a sweet gift, these cake puffs are easy to make and sure to be loved by all. With their festive appearance and delicious flavor, they’re a must-try this holiday season!