Easy Flower Cupcakes

Name: Easy Flower Cupcakes
Ingredients: Cupcakes:; 6 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature; 6 tablespoons white sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar; 2 small eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 pinch salt; Frosting:; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup confectioners' sugar, or as needed; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Decoration:; 8 large marshmallows; 1/2 cup assorted colored sprinkles; 8 candy-coated milk chocolate pieces (such as M&M's(R))

18 ingredients

7 steps

Ingredients

Cupcakes:
6 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
6 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
2 small eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 pinch salt
Frosting:
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar, or as needed
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration:
8 large marshmallows
1/2 cup assorted colored sprinkles
8 candy-coated milk chocolate pieces (such as M&M's(R))

Directions

1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 8 muffin cups or line with paper liners.
2

Combine 6 1/2 tablespoons butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar in a bowl; beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and beat until smooth.
3

Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl and add to the batter. Beat for another 5 minutes. Spoon batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each 3/4 full.
4

Bake in the preheated oven until tops spring back when lightly pressed, about 14 minutes. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool, about 20 minutes. Cupcakes sink slightly after baking, which is fine as it creates a flat surface for the flowers.
5

Combine 1/4 cup butter and cream cheese in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer until well combined. Add confectioner's sugar, 1/4 cup at a time. Beat in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract after half the confectioners' sugar is incorporated. Set aside.
6

Pour colored sugar into different small bowls. Cut each large marshmallow into 5 slices. Dip marshmallow pieces with the cut side down into one of the colors so the sugar will stick to the marshmallow. Repeat with the other marshmallows and different colors.
7

Spread a layer of frosting over each cupcake. Arrange 5 marshmallow slices on each cupcake in the shape of flower petals. Place a candy-colored chocolate piece in the middle.