Chocolate-covered Christmas Cake Puffs

Chocolate-covered Christmas Cake Puffs are an irresistible holiday treat that combines the rich flavors of cocoa with a light, fluffy texture. These little cake puffs are perfectly baked and finished off with a chocolate coating, making them the ideal festive indulgence. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a sweet treat with family, these cake puffs are sure to delight.

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

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a mini muffin tin to prepare for the cake puffs.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and well incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fill Muffin Tin: Fill each muffin cup halfway with the batter. This will allow enough room for the puffs to rise during baking.
6. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Coat: Once the cake puffs are baked, allow them to cool slightly before dipping them in melted chocolate. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Servings: 24 mini cake puffs

Variations

• Flavored Coating: Instead of just using chocolate, you can experiment with white chocolate or even a combination of both for a two-toned coating.
• Add-ins: Stir in mini marshmallows or chopped nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Mini Cupcakes: Instead of making mini cake puffs, you could turn the batter into regular-sized cupcakes and add frosting or additional decorations on top.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the chocolate-covered cake puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness, up to 1 week.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave them for a few seconds or place them in a warm oven for 5 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe? Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture might change slightly.
2. Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for the coating? Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give the puffs a richer, more intense flavor.
3. How do I make sure the puffs don’t dry out? Be sure to remove them from the oven as soon as they are done baking. Overbaking can cause them to become dry.
4. Can I freeze these cake puffs? Yes, you can freeze the cake puffs before coating them in chocolate. Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
5. Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe? Yes, any non-dairy milk such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can be substituted.
6. How can I make these more festive? You can decorate the chocolate-covered puffs with colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes for a holiday twist.
7. Can I use powdered cocoa instead of unsweetened cocoa powder? Yes, just make sure the cocoa powder is unsweetened. You may need to adjust the sugar in the recipe.
8. Can I add frosting to these cake puffs? Yes, frosting can be piped on top after the cake puffs have been coated in chocolate for an extra sweet touch.
9. Why do I need to grease the muffin tin? Greasing the muffin tin ensures that the cake puffs won’t stick to the pan and will pop out easily after baking.
10. How do I know when the cake puffs are done baking? The puffs should be firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Conclusion

Chocolate-covered Christmas Cake Puffs are a perfect treat to add to your holiday dessert table. Their soft, cocoa-filled texture paired with a smooth chocolate coating makes them a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday party or simply indulging in a festive snack, these cake puffs are sure to bring joy to your celebrations. Easy to make, delightful to eat, and versatile enough to customize, these cake puffs are a must-try!

Print