Mini Cupcakes – Perfect Bites of Sweet Delight

Mini cupcakes – they’re tiny, cute, and the perfect balance of sweetness in one bite.

Whether you’re planning a birthday party, hosting a tea gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet treat on a lazy afternoon, these mini cupcakes are sure to impress. What makes these little treats so special? Their light, fluffy texture, delightful sweetness, and the ability to be customized to fit any occasion. Let’s dive into this fun and easy recipe for mini cupcakes!

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
• ¼ cup sour cream (for extra moisture)

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
• A pinch of salt
• Sprinkles or edible decorations (optional)

How to Make Mini Cupcakes:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin pan with cupcake liners – this recipe makes about 18 mini cupcakes, depending on how full you fill the liners.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 minutes. The air whipped into the butter will help give the cupcakes their fluffy texture.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Beat in the vanilla extract, which will give the cupcakes that lovely aromatic flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two batches, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Start with the flour mixture, then add half the milk, followed by the rest of the flour, and then the remaining milk. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cupcakes.
6. Fill the Cupcake Liners: Spoon the cupcake batter into the mini muffin pan, filling each liner about 2/3 full. This will give the cupcakes enough space to rise without overflowing.
7. Bake the Cupcakes: Place the mini muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Since these cupcakes are mini, they bake quicker than regular-sized cupcakes, so keep an eye on them!
8. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the mini cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important so that the frosting doesn’t melt when you apply it.

How to Make the Frosting:

1. Whip the Butter: Beat the softened butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat on low speed until it’s fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for that flavor kick.
3. Adjust the Consistency: Add milk or heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The frosting should be smooth but thick enough to hold its shape when piped onto the cupcakes.
4. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the mini cupcakes are fully cooled, pipe or spread the frosting generously onto each cupcake. Feel free to get creative with decorating – you can add sprinkles, edible glitter, or even small fondant toppers for a festive touch.

Serve and Enjoy:

Now, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! These mini cupcakes are perfect for all occasions – from family gatherings to birthdays or simply an afternoon tea. Serve them with a side of warm tea or coffee and enjoy the delightful fluffiness of these tiny treats. Each bite offers a burst of sweetness, and the soft, moist texture will leave you coming back for more.