Strawberry Santas

By

  • 4
  • 20 mins
  • 50 mins

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 12 large strawberries
  • 24 mini chocolate chips

Preparation

Step 1

For the frosting:
1. In a medium bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat the mascarpone and vanilla until smooth.
2. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the mixture is thick and smooth.
3. Using a spatula, transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a small star piping tip.

For the Santas:
4. Using a paring knife, cut off the leaf-end of each strawberry to make a flat surface.
5. Cut a 1/2- to 3/4-inch piece from the pointed end of each strawberry and reserve as the hats.
6. Place the strawberries, wide-side down, on a work surface. 7. Pipe a 3/4-inch-high swirl of frosting on each strawberry. 8. Place the hats on top and pipe a small ball of frosting on top of the hats.
9. Press two chocolate chips, pointed-sides inward, into the swirl of frosting to make eyes.