Blogmas: Peppermint Cupcakes

 

 Seeing as it is still December (peppermint month), I have decided to make another peppermint post: peppermint cupcakes. Cupcakes are literally for anyone. They're so easy to make, and just a heart-warming gift. To me, cupcakes are like a universal language. So why not pair them up with peppermint? Whilst looking for cute recipes on the internet, I have found that there are many variations of these, so depending on how you would like them, find a recipe that fits for you.

Ingredients- Cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, sifted
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp peppermint extract
1 stick unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 large egg whites

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line muffin tin with cupcake liners. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
4. With an electric mixer, cream butter on medium-high, until light and fluffy.
5. Gradually add sugar and beat until well combined and fluffy.
6. Reduce the mixer speed to medium, and slowly add egg and egg whites until blended.
7. With the mixer on low, slowly add half of the flour mixture. Add milk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Slowly add remaining flour mixture. Mix until thoroughly blended.
8. Pour batter into paper cups.
9. Bake for about 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

*Let cool before frosting.


Ingredients- Frosting:
2 sticks unsalted butter
1/8 tsp salt
3 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar, sifted
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
1/2 tsp milk

Directions:
1. With an electric mixer, beat butter and salt on medium speed, until light and fluffy. (2 minutes)
2. Reduce the speed to low, and gradually add sugar.
3. Add the extracts and milk, and beat until smooth and creamy.
4. Pipe frosting.

*If consistency is too hard, add 1 tblsp milk. Add one tbsp at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

**As stated above, you can substitute, and customize the cupcakes to however you like them. Top them off with some crushed peppermint, shredded chocolate, or anything else to finish them off. If you're really not into baking from scratch, you can create this from a box mixture and frosting from a can, and just customize them at the end with the decorating! However you make them, your peppermint cupcakes will be delicious :)