A Great Pair of Chinos: Cappuccino/Mochaccino Snack Cakes

It's Black Friday, and whether you brave the crowds or do your purchasing online, here are a few caffeine-inspired treats to keep you adequately fueled for holiday shopping!

Why choose? Make both!

Cappuccino Snack Cakes

Dry Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Liquid ingredients:
1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
1 Tablespoon instant coffee granules

Optional:
Cinnamon Glaze (combine 1 cup confectioner's sugar, 2 Tablespoons whole milk, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, a splash of vanilla extract and stir until smooth)
Buttercream Frosting
Cream Cheese Frosting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with parchment liners. Stir instant coffee into milk until dissolved and set aside (if the coffee clumps, just let it sit and stir again before you're ready to use).

Whisk dry ingredients together in a medium bowl. Cream butter and brown sugar together in a large bowl until fluffy; mix in eggs and vanilla until well combined. Blend in remaining ingredients, alternating between dry and liquid, starting and ending with dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Fill each liner about 2/3 full and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of one comes out clean. Let cool before serving or topping with the optional suggestions above!

Mochaccino Snack Cakes

Reduce flour to 1 1/4 cups, and add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa to dry ingredients. Proceed as above and enjoy!

Notes: These would be great to have on hand for house guests, unexpected visitors, or for keeping all to yourself—I promise I won't tell ;-) The plain cakes can be served with whipped cream or ice cream for an easy dessert. And if you happened to add, oh, 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips to either batter...

>o<