S'Mores Cupcakes

Cupcake Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the cake mix, butter, milk and stir until combined.
3. Scoop batter into cupcake liners until they are 3/4 of the way full.
4. Bake for 20 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.

Chocolate Ganache Directions

1. Bring the heavy cream to a slow boil in a small ssaucepan.
2. Place the chocolate chips into a heat-safe bowl, then pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips.
3. Allow to sit for a minute to melt the chocolate, then whisk until fully melted and smooth.

Marshmallow Frosting Directions

1. Prepare a double broiler and in a separate bowl, mix all ingredients except the vanilla.
2. Combine all marshmallow frosting ingredients except vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer.
3. Place the bowl over the prepared double broiler.
4. Start to simmer the water and heat the mixture until a candy thermometer reaches 165℉ and all the sugar has dissolved (about 5-10 minutes after the water begins to simmer).
5. Stir as you heat mixture for even cooking.
6. Once all the sugar has dissolved and the mix is 165℉, remove from heat and place the bowl in a standing mixer
7. Mix on medium-high for 5-7 minutes until the egg whites stiffen up and the mixture starts to cool.
8. As the mixture begins to stiffen, add the vanilla extract.

Assembly Directions

1. First, use a large ice cream scoop to place a mound of chocolate ganache onto each cupcake.
2. Scoop the marshmallow frosting into a frosting bag, then pipe a layer of marshmallow on top of the ganache.
3. If you have a kitchen torch, use it to toast the marshmallow frosting. You could also use a multi-purpose lighter.
4. Place a cookie on top of the marshmallow frosting and press it gently to set.