Derby Treats: Mint Julep Cupcakes, Derby Sugar Cookies, & Derby Pie

By Sarah

Yes, based on the title of this post we had a lot of yummy food at our 2013 Derby Party. Each year my husbands family takes turns to host a Derby party.  It is one of my favorite get togethers of the year because not only do we have yummy food and drinks, but lots of gambling on horses too.  This year was our turn to host, so of course I had a bunch of desserts that I wanted to try.

Thanks to Pinterest I came across the cutest Mint Julep cupcakes and Derby inspired cookies. I decided I had to recreate these items! If you have ever had a Mint Julep drink, you either love it or hate it. The drink is not something I am actually too fond of, but the cupcake is another story!  And if you are a fan of bourbon you will love this recipe! The cupcakes are very fragrant and smell delicious.  (Note - probably not a great idea to eat these for breakfast before work ;) Even though they smell strong of bourbon, the bourbon and mint taste is not overpowering.

And of course, I had to make a Derby Pie.  This is one of my all time favorite desserts and reminds me of a really gooey, chocolate chip cookie.  My husband's Aunt Janie actually gave me this recipe and it is a keeper!! Thank you Janie for sharing!!

Mint Julep Cupcakes

Recipe based on The Baker Chick's recipe

1 Box Pillsbury Moist Supreme White Cake Mix plus the ingredients it calls for on the box

1 Cup Bourbon

1 teaspoon Mint extract

Mint leaves

Directions
1. Mix cake mix together as directed on box and add the 1 cup bourbon and 1 teaspoon mint extract to the mixture.  Bake as directed.
2.  Once the cupcakes are cool, prick holes in the top of the cupcakes with a fork.  Brush tops lightly with bourbon.
3. Ice cupcakes.
4. Top with mint leaves as garnish.

Bourbon/Mint Buttercream Icing

1.5 cups softened unsalted butter

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 lbs. powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon mint extract

1 Tablespoon bourbon

1-2 tablespoons milk 

Directions
1.  Mix butter and salt on medium for 5 minutes until pale and smooth.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
2.  Add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time. Mix on low.
3.  Add mint and bourbon and mix on low to combine.
4. Add up 2 tablespoons of milk to reach the desired consistency of icing.

Derby Pie

By Janie Anthony

pie shell

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup flour

1 cup chocolate chips

1 tablespoon vanilla

2 beaten eggs

1 stick melted butter

3/4 cup chopped pecans

Directions
1.  Mix sugar, flour, & butter.
2.  Add eggs, nuts, chocolate chips, and vanilla and combine.
3.  Pour mixture into pie shell and bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

For the sugar cookie recipe, please see my previous post called the Iced Easter Sugar Cookie post.

I didn't have a cookie cutter, so I found this picture on the internet and used it to cut out my cookies.

Jockey Cookies, Derby Hat Cookies, and Horse Shoe Cookies

Jockey Cookies

Derby Hat Cookies - I made these by putting smaller cookies on top of larger ones and securing it with royal icing.

I happened to have an extra cake that was not used for an event so I decorated it to match the cookies.

Some of our food.