Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Mini pretzels (for bows)
  • Chocolate melts or candy coating (for arrows)
  • Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk, until just combined.
  6. Distribute batter evenly in prepared liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  8. Beat softened butter, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in milk and vanilla until smooth.
  9. Add food coloring to create desired shades.
  10. Pipe buttercream onto cooled cupcakes. Use pretzels for bows and chocolate melts for arrows.
  11. Add edible glitter or sprinkles for an extra festive touch.