Christmas Cupcakes

Here’s a fun and festive recipe for Christmas Cupcakes that will bring holiday cheer to your table!

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional, but adds a nice flavor!)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or buttermilk)
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Red and green food coloring (for festive colors)
• Sprinkles, mini candies, or holiday decorations for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Make the Cupcake Batter:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
• Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the sour cream (or buttermilk) and milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients.
• Mix until just combined (do not overmix).

3. Bake the Cupcakes:

• Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
• Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
• Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Frosting:

• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
• Gradually add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Add 2 tbsp of heavy cream (or milk) and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add more cream if the frosting is too thick.
• Divide the frosting into two bowls. Leave one bowl as is, and add red food coloring to the other to make it a festive red color.

5. Frost the Cupcakes:

• Using a piping bag or an offset spatula, frost the cooled cupcakes with red and white frosting. You can swirl the two colors together for a fun effect or frost each cupcake in red or white.
• Decorate with sprinkles, mini candies (like M&Ms or holiday-themed candies), or small edible decorations like holly leaves and berries.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Allow the frosting to set for a bit, then serve these cheerful, festive cupcakes to your friends and family!

These Christmas Cupcakes are perfect for spreading holiday joy, with a soft, flavorful cake and creamy frosting that will delight everyone.