Chocolate Cupcake Cones

A few years ago a friend of mine made these cupcake cones for a Super Bowl Party. At first I didn't think anybody would eat (or even notice) them because it was an all grown-up party with Mexican food and lots of beer. Boy, was I wrong! It was a big hit! It wasn't just a cupcake, it was a fun cupcake. So last weekend our neighborhood had our annual Crab Feast. Each family brings a side or dessert. Of course I went for dessert. I made Chocolate Cupcake Cones with Cream Cheese Frosting. Yummy! The kids loved and so did the grown-ups.

Chocolate Cupcake Cones with Cream Cheese Frosting

For the cupcakes:
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2/3 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cup water
2/3 cup unflavored vegetable oil
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Adjust the rack to the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F.

In a medium bowl sift together the flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together the water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla.

Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients, stirring until just smooth. Stir any longer and you will over mix the batter and end up with less-than-tender cupcakes.

Arrange ice cream cones on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Fill 2/3 of the cones with batter.

Bake for 25 minutes. Insert toothpick in the middle of a cone, toothpick should come out dry. If it's still wet, bake for an additional 2 - 3 minutes and insert toothpick again.

Let it cool for at least 30 minutes before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

One 8-ounce package cream cheese

1 stick unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar

In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and confectioners' sugar. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, beat on medium speed until well combined and fluffy, about 10 minutes or until smooth. Spread the frosting on the top of the cones and sprinkle with Sugar Sprinkles.