Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ⅔ cup (160ml) milk
  • 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3-4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2-4 tablespoons milk, or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: Red and green food coloring gel
  • Assorted Christmas sprinkles (stars, jimmies, nonpareils, etc.)
  • Optional: Edible glitter, small fondant decorations (e.g., snowflakes, Christmas trees)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix!
  6. Fill each cupcake liner about ⅔ full with batter.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  9. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  10. Add milk (or heavy cream), vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Adjust milk/cream to reach desired consistency.
  11. Divide frosting into bowls and tint with food coloring if desired.
  12. Frost the cooled cupcakes with buttercream frosting using a piping bag or a knife. Immediately sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles and/or edible decorations. Enjoy these easy christmas cupcakes!