Cannoli Cupcakes

For the cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a muffin pan with cupcake papers.

In a large bowl, combine cake mix, butter, eggs, and milk until just combined. Evenly divide batter into prepared pan. Bake for 21–23 minutes, or until a tooth pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.

For the mascarpone cream:
In a large bowl, combine mascarpone cream, powered sugar, and vanilla. Using an ice cream scoop, place one scoop on top of each cupcake.

For the frosting:
In a large bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy. Stir in cocoa powder. Gradually add powdered sugar a little a time. Add heavy cream as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Pipe (I used a Wilton 1 M tip), or spread frosting onto cupcakes. Garnish with chocolate chips and half a cannoli, if desired.