If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

My girlfriend Ashley's daughter's birthday is at the end of December. Every year, she and her husband host a party after the holidays have passed and things have calmed down. Ashley is a very creative person and really comes up with great ideas for a kids birthday party. Each year the theme has been a different children's book. This year's theme is based around the book If You Give A Mouse A Cookie. It has been tradition that I make the dessert for any of my little lady's events. Sticking with the cookie theme, we decided to make cupcakes with chocolate chip cookies. As a little surprise for the family, I also made a small cake to look like a chocolate chip cookie. This was perfect for blowing out the candles! 

I decided on a simple vanilla cake with buttercream frosting. I then decorated the cupcakes with mini chocolate chips and mini chocolate chip cookies. Use any of your favorite vanilla cake recipes or box mix. Once baked, be sure to allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting and decorating. My go to frosting is a simple buttercream frosting. It really makes the difference on any cake or cupcake. Plus, it is super easy to make! 

Simple Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
3 cups of powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 
1 - 2 Tbsp milk

Directions
Cream together the butter and sugar until blended. 
Add in the vanilla extract and mix until combined. 
Add in 1 Tbsp of milk at a time, combining until you reach desired consistency.