Christmas Tree Mini Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• Green food coloring
• Vanilla frosting
• Miniature peppermint candies

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt.
6. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
7. Add the milk and mix until combined.
8. Divide the batter into two bowls. Add green food coloring to one bowl and mix until desired color is reached.
9. Spoon the green batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about halfway. Top with the white batter and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
11. Frost the cupcakes with vanilla frosting.
12. Decorate the cupcakes with miniature peppermint candies to resemble Christmas trees.

Interesting Facts

• This recipe yields 12 mini cupcakes.
• You can use any type of food coloring to achieve desired color.
• These cupcakes are best enjoyed the same day they are made.