ELF CUPCAKES

Elf Cupcakes image

Rich and buttery vanilla cupcakes have a tender crumb and make a perfect base for these whimsical elves lost in fluffy frosting. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Desserts

Time 1h

Yield 22 cupcakes.

Number Of Ingredients 18

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Ingredients

2/3 cup butter, softened
1-3/4 cups sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs, room temperature
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 cups 2% milk
FROSTING:
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup shortening
1-1/2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
6 cups confectioners' sugar
4 to 6 tablespoons 2% milk
DECORATIONS:
44 miniature candy canes
Pastel miniature marshmallows
Candy cane kisses

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Line 22 muffin cups with paper liners., Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and 1 egg at a time. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well., Fill prepared cups two-thirds full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 15-20 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. , For frosting, beat butter, shortening and vanilla until blended; gradually beat in confectioners' sugar and enough milk to reach spreading consistency. Spread over cupcakes., To decorate, break off curved end of candy canes; reserve straight portion for elf legs. Cut strawberry or lime marshmallows diagonally in half and attach to legs for shoes; insert into frosting. Cut orange marshmallows diagonally in half for ears. Insert kisses and orange marshmallows for elf heads.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 422 calories, Fat 19g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 50mg cholesterol, Sodium 218mg sodium, Carbohydrate 60g carbohydrate (49g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 3g protein.