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Hey friends!
Holiday season is here, and I’ve got a fun treat for you.
Today, we’re diving into the world of Christmas Grinch cupcakes!
These colorful little delights are not just adorable; they’re super delicious too.
Perfect for holiday parties or a festive family get-together.
Get ready to spread some Grinchy cheer—let’s start baking! 🎄🧁
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
For a gluten-free option, plain flour can be replaced with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Use a 1:1 ratio and add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup of flour to improve texture. White sugar can be substituted with coconut sugar or a stevia-erythritol blend for a lower glycemic index. Adjust quantities to taste, as alternative sweeteners may have different levels of sweetness. For a dairy-free version, replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil in equal amounts. In frostings, vegan butter may require slight adjustments in liquid ingredients to achieve the desired consistency. These substitutions maintain the cupcakes’ overall flavor profile while accommodating various dietary needs.
| Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 18-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-50 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 8000-8500
- Protein: 60-70 g
- Fat: 400-420 g
- Carbohydrates: 1000-1100 g
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups plain flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup softened unsalted butter
- 3 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 1 teaspoon peppermint essence
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles
- 2 pounds icing sugar
- 6 softened butter sticks
- 1 tablespoon peppermint essence
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla essence
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
- Neon green food color
- Green sugar crystals
- Heart-shaped sprinkles
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tins
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line your muffin tins with paper liners and set them aside.
This will ensure your cupcakes come out of the tins cleanly and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Gradually add in the softened butter, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until just combined.
Finally, mix in the milk until incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Prepare Batter
Pour the dry flour mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients.
Stir by hand until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the Christmas sprinkles into the batter.
This will ensure each cupcake is festively speckled with color.
Step 4: Fill and Bake the Cupcakes
Using a cookie scoop for ease and consistency, fill your lined muffin tins about 1/2 to 3/4 full with the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool completely on a cooling rack before frosting.
Step 5: Prepare the Peppermint Buttercream
While the cupcakes cool, make the buttercream by adding 6 sticks of butter to a large mixing bowl.
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, whip the butter on low-medium speed until smooth.
Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, continuing to whip until completely blended and smooth.
Add in the peppermint and vanilla extracts, mixing until just combined.
Gradually add milk, a little at a time, until you reach the desired piping consistency.
Add neon green gel food coloring gradually until achieving the desired grinch green hue.
Step 6: Decorate the Cupcakes
Transfer the peppermint buttercream to a large ziploc bag or piping bag.
Cut off the tip and pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes in an upwards swirl.
Decorate by sprinkling green sugar sprinkles and heart sprinkles on top.
Serve and enjoy the festive treat!
