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Christmas Candy Swirl Cupcakes

Festive and colorful cupcakes perfect for the holiday season, decorated with candy swirls and festive toppings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cupcake Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cups whole milk
  • 0.25 cups sour cream
Frosting Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Green food coloring (gel preferred)
  • Peppermint candies or peppermint truffles (for decoration)
  • Gold, white, and pearl sprinkles (for decoration)
  • Crushed candy cane (optional, for decoration)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
Mixing the Batter
  1. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract, milk, and sour cream until everything is combined.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Baking
  1. Spoon the batter into the lined cupcake pan, filling each liner about two-thirds full.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
Frosting
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter for the frosting.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix on low speed.
  3. Once combined, add the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Mix until fluffy.
  4. Separate about one cup of the frosting and add green food coloring to create a swirl effect.
Decoration
  1. Using a piping bag, frost the cooled cupcakes with the white frosting.
  2. Add swirls of the green frosting on top.
  3. Finish by decorating the cupcakes with peppermint candies, sprinkles, and crushed candy cane if desired.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the perfect frosting texture. Experiment with different food colorings to create unique designs. If you don’t have peppermint candies, any other festive candies can work as substitutes.