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Perfect Candy Cane Cupcakes

candy cane cupcakes - featured image
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These moist and tender cupcakes combine the classic holiday flavors of peppermint and vanilla, topped with a dreamy peppermint buttercream frosting. Perfect for festive celebrations and cozy winter nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (60g) crushed candy canes
  • For the frosting:
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
  • Red and white candy cane pieces for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
  6. Fold in crushed candy canes gently with a spatula.
  7. Fill cupcake liners about ⅔ full with batter.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. For the frosting, beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
  11. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed, then add heavy cream and peppermint extract.
  12. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency if needed.
  13. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes and garnish with crushed candy cane pieces.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender. Crush candy canes into small shards to avoid sinking or overpowering flavor. Frost cupcakes only when completely cool to prevent melting. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute ingredients as suggested in the recipe.

Nutrition

Keywords: candy cane cupcakes, peppermint cupcakes, holiday cupcakes, Christmas treats, peppermint buttercream, festive desserts

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/perfect-candy-cane-cupcakes-recipe-easy-homemade-holiday-treats/