XOXOXOXOXOXO!
So, I know that the weird mix of letters above means hugs and kisses, but do you know which one means hugs and which one means kisses? Because I didn’t until my husband enlightened me. He said the O’s are hugs and the X’s are kisses.
But…why?
He said that the O’s are like your arms in a hug. But then…how are X’s like kisses? I guessed that it was because of the way each person tilts their head in the opposite direction when they kiss. Which, turns out, is totally false, according to the all-knowing peoples of the internet. Oh well, I like my theory better.
These cupcakes are made using the same method as my star spangled cupcakes or my fabulous fall cupcakes, so I’m not including another photographic tutorial here – just go check out one of them!
I had to hand-cut the X’s and O’s, but I think this small alphabet set would do the trick! I got the XO sprinkles from Walmart and the awesome pink and red liners from Bakers’ Stock!
- One box of white cake mix
- Ingredients to prepare cake mix (typically eggs, water, and oil)
- One can of white frosting
- Red and pink food coloring
- Cupcake liners
- X and O cookie cutters
- 1M tip for icing, optional
- XO sprinkles, optional
- Prepare cake mix as directed. Separate about ⅓ of the batter into two bowls (so about ⅙ of the batter per bowl). Color one bowl pink and one bowl red.
- Grease an 8×8 pan. Spoon the red batter on one side of the pan and pink batter in the other, so there is half a pan of each color. Bake as directed for 8×8 pans.
- Once the 8×8 pan has cooled, use the cookie cutters to cut out X’s and O’s. Cut out 6 of each letter.
- Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners. Place a small amount of uncolored batter in each liner. Place one letter in each cupcake liner, all facing the same direction. Scoop the uncolored batter all around and on top of the colored letter, so it is not visible. Bake as directed for your box mix (bake at the lower end of the cupcake cooking time). Cool.
- Frost (with 1M tip, if desired). Makes approximately 10-12 cupcakes.
This awesome creation may be linked up to one of these link parties.
{ 56 comments… read them below or add one }
I wondered…
These are so darling Jennifer! Could be done with a other themes as well.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you, Hani!
I mean I wondered about xo which stands for what. Now I know.
I love the twist you gave these by using Xs and Os instead of heart! Truly a surprise!
Thanks so much, Janine!
these are so adorable!!!
Thanks, Elizabeth!
I’ve always loved your surprise cupcakes. Thanks for showing us yet another example! The possibilities are endless!!
PS- Thanks, also, for the history link for XOXO. I used to think of Gossip Girl when I saw “XOXO”. Now, I’ll think of the Middle Ages. haha!
Haha – I’ve never seen Gossip Girl – I think GG and the Jersey Shore are the only trashy/guilty-pleasure shows that I’ve never seen…I pretty much watch all of the other ones
Oh my gosh, these are so darn cute! Clever girl…..I have to make a surprise cupcake one of these days!
Thanks so much, Susie!
You have to give it a try – so easy and fun!
You really did a great job on these! I just checked out the technique to make them and I never would’ve guessed. Easy with a huge impact!
Oh, it is so fun! And, you can tailor them to any holiday or occasion
Oh my – way too cute!
Thanks, Patricia!
As always, cute as can be! The x and o’s are perfect!
Thanks so much, Kim!
These are the sweetest little Valentine cupcake treats!
Aww, thank you, Paula! I love your sweet comments
This is brilliant! Love how gorgeous the cupcakes came out and I love all of your surprise cupcakes!
Thanks so much, Michelle!
These are super cute! They turned out great!
Thank you, Amanda
Amazing – I love the centers, how fun. My son would love to bite into one and find and x or an o
Thanks, Erin! They are so fun to make!
Decorative cupcakes are just one of my favorite things ever. These are adorable!
Thanks, Elizabeth!
Jennifer!!! Seriously amazing cupcakes!!! You are so smart! I am pinning now!
Awww – thank so much, Lisa! Your comments always brighten my day
so cute!!!
Thanks, Carrie!
These are ADORABLE!! My boys would love to take a bite into a cupcake and find that surprise! Great post!
Thanks so much, Lene!
Awwww these cupcakes are so fun!
Thanks, Ashley!
Haha, I was always wondering what XO meant too, but I guess I was too lazy to look it up. Good thing I stumbled upon your blog!
This is such a super cute idea. Definitely on my to-do list
I’m glad I could help
I am a wealth of information, haha!
Awww these are just too stinking cute!
Thanks, Chung-Ah
These are so adorable! Yep, I knew x=kisses and o=hugs, from waaaaaaay back!
Happy Valentine’s Day, Jennifer!
Happy Valentine’s Day right back atcha, Sue!
This is such fun! I loved the idea and these cupcakes look gorgeous. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thanks so much, Purabi!
I think I learned that X’s were hugs and O’s were kisses, because in a hug you stretch your arms out like an X, (and when you’re hugging all 4 arms look like an X,) and when you kiss you pucker your lips like an O. I guess it’s a mystery! The cupcakes were really cute, I found your site by googling red velvet waffles, which I might make for Valentine’s Day tomorrow. Thanks! (And, also being in Virginia we were also excited to get the snow! Although originally being from upstate NY I was also glad to see it melt
Have a nice day!
I always wondered how people made cute designs inside of cupcakes. And now I know its not too hard, so I will have to try it out myself! Thanks!
Definitely give it a shot, Aimee – so easy and fun to do!
This has got to be one of the best Valentine’s day cupcakes I have seen!!! Job well done!!
Thanks so much, Julianne!
What a great idea! This is one of the cutest little things I’ve seen all day
Thanks so much, Ashley!
These are too cute!! Such a good idea.
Thanks, Rachel!
These are so fun. I featured them on my Valentines Day “Wrap” up at Feed Your Soul Friday Five – http://chefpeterskitchen.blogspot.com/2013/02/valentines-wrap-up.html
Thanks so much, Peter!
These are so cool. I’m definitely going to have to try this technique some day
Thanks, Marissa! It is such a fun technique, for sure
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