St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes

St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes are a festive and fun way to celebrate the Irish holiday, featuring light, fluffy cupcakes topped with a swirl of green buttercream frosting. These cupcakes are perfect for adding a pop of color and cheer to your holiday spread. Whether you make them in classic vanilla or add a hint of mint for a seasonal twist, the vibrant green frosting and optional shamrock decorations make these cupcakes a delightful treat for both kids and adults. Serve them at your St. Patrick’s Day party, or enjoy them as a sweet way to honor the occasion.

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• Green food coloring (optional)

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or mint extract for a twist)
• Green food coloring
• Shamrock sprinkles or candy decorations (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
2. Make the cupcake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until just combined. Add green food coloring to the batter if desired, and mix until evenly colored.
3. Bake the cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
4. Make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla (or mint) extract and green food coloring, mixing until smooth and evenly colored.
5. Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the green frosting on top. Decorate with shamrock sprinkles or candy decorations if desired.

These St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes are a delicious and colorful way to celebrate, perfect for sharing the luck of the Irish with friends and family!