Cheese Chip Cupcakes

If I had to say which Christmas goodie was the absolute most favorite at the Peaden household - I would say Cheese Chip Cupcakes without hesitation. These are kept frozen in little Christmas tins, and are best if you take them out of the freezer and let sit for just a couple of minutes. That way they are still cold, but not frozen anymore. They are super yummy and the perfect Christmas treat to snack on while playing a rousing game of Canasta.

Cheese Chip Cupcakes
Source: McAllister Family Cookbook; Sue Peaden

Ingredients:
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
3/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
1 (6 oz) package chocolate chips
3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp  salt
1 1/2 cup water
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 Tbs vinegar
2 tsp vanilla

Directions:
Mix together chopped pecans and brown sugar. Set aside.

Soften cream cheese in the microwave for 2 minutes on power level 3. Mix together cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar. Add egg and beat to incorporate. Add chocolate chips. Set aside.

Mix remaining ingredients and beat until blended. Fill cups 1/3 full, add 1 heaping teaspoon of cream cheese mixture, sprinkle top with 1 teaspoon brown sugar and nut topping.

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. When done, remove from pans (without disturbing the topping). After cooled, place in Christmas tins and freeze. Makes 2 1/2 dozen.

These cookies are best served just barely thawed.