To make mint cupcakes, start by sifting flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cream softened butter with sugar, then add eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract, along with green food coloring if desired. Combine with the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until just mixed. Fill cupcake liners and bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes. For the frosting, beat butter, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and cream until fluffy, adjusting the consistency as needed. Once cooled, frost the cupcakes and garnish with mint leaves or chocolate sprinkles.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
- Optional: 1-2 drops green food coloring for a minty color
For the Mint Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)
- 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- Optional: Green food coloring
- Fresh mint leaves or chocolate sprinkles 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. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting the dry ingredients helps make the cupcakes lighter and ensures even mixing.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This process aerates the butter, helping to create soft and fluffy cupcakes.
4. Add Eggs and Flavorings
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and peppermint extract and mix to combine. If you want a minty green color, add a few drops of green food coloring at this stage.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth batter.
- Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing, as it can make the cupcakes dense.
6. Fill the Cupcake Liners and Bake
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Mint Frosting
1. Cream the Butter
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the Sugar and Peppermint Extract
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated.
- Add the peppermint extract and heavy cream (or milk), beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- If desired, add a small drop of green food coloring for a minty color.
3. Adjust Consistency
- If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream or milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.
Assembling the Cupcakes
1. Frost the Cupcakes
- Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip or a knife to frost the cooled cupcakes with the mint frosting. Swirl or spread the frosting generously on top of each cupcake.
2. Garnish (Optional)
- Decorate each cupcake with a fresh mint leaf or a sprinkle of chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, or chocolate sprinkles to enhance the mint flavor.
Tips for Perfect Mint Cupcakes
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures smoother blending and better texture.
- Avoid Over-Mixing: Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cupcakes light and airy.
- Adjust Mint Flavor: Mint extract can be strong, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Warm cupcakes can melt the frosting.
Enjoy these refreshing, minty cupcakes as a delightful treat.
