Polka Dot Cupcakes

Directions

1. 1
   Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 12 muffin pans cups with paper baking cups; set aside.
2. 2
   Combine all filling ingredients in bowl; beat until well mixed.
3. 3
   Set aside.
4. 4
   Combine flour, baking powder and salt in bowl; set aside.
5. 5
   Place 1 cup sugar and butter in bowl; beat until creamy.
6. 6
   Add egg whites and vanilla; beat until well mixed.
7. 7
   Add flour mixture alternately with milk, beating at low speed after each addition, just until mixed.
8. 8
   Reserve 1/2 cup batter; place into bowl.
9. 9
   Tint with paste food colors, as desired.
10. 10
    Set aside.
11. 11
    Spoon 1 tablespoon untinted batter into each baking cup, spreading evenly.
12. 12
    Top each with 1 tablespoon filling and 3 tablespoons untinted batter.
13. 13
    Smooth tops.
14. 14
    Place tinted batter into resealable plastic food bag or pastry bag fitted with round 1/4-inch tip; snip one small corner from bag.
15. 15
    Pipe 1/4-inch polka dots onto cupcake batter.
16. 16
    Bake 18-22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs and cupcake is light golden brown.
17. 17
    Cool completely.