Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

Step 1

For the cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line tray with 12 baking cups.

Step 2

Place one whole cookie in each cup or break apart at least 12 cookies and place the broken pieces into each cup.

Step 3

Mix the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl using a wire whisk.

Step 4

Add the eggs, oil, vanilla and milk and mix well until thoroughly combined. Add the hot water and mix until combined.

Step 5

Transfer the batter (it will be very liquid) to a large measuring cup and then pour batter into each baking cup so it's about three quarters full. You should have a little left over. Bake for 16-18 minutes.

Step 6

For the frosting: Beat the shortening in a mixer until smooth.Add vanilla and mix until combined. Add the powdered sugar in three additions, scraping down the sides after each addition. Add a Tablespoon of milk at a time and mix together until you achieve the consistency you like.

Step 7

Add the cookie crumbs and mix until completely combined. You can add more if you like, but I just wanted a light speckling to show off the white frosting.

Step 8

Place frosting in a decorator bag with a 1M tip and swirl on top of each cupcake. Insert a cookie on top of each cupcake.

Step 9

You can also apply frosting on each cupcake in a mounded shape. Turn upside down and roll the top around in a small bowl of cookie crumbs to coat.