At our house we are getting into the Christmas spirit in Hallmark style. This week Jameson invited his friend over to create Santa Cupcakes. To ensure that the two had a good time and were not bothered, his brother, Kelly, went off to his friends’ house to play. It so happens that the family of Jameson’s play date also has a kid who happens to be Kelly’s best friend, so it was a perfect switch-er-roo! Madison and Jameson had such a great time in the kitchen that when they were done they ran off to play downstairs. Soon thereafter, they came into the kitchen with a box of toys and a pretend suitcase to declare that they were going on vacation together.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 60-70 mins

Servings: approx. 1 dozen

Cupcake Ingredients:

1 2/3 cups flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp kosher salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 egg whites, room temp
3 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream, room temp
1/2 cup whole milk

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp heavy cream
1 pinch salt
1 tbsp whole milk

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350 DEGREES

STEP ONE:

In a large bowl mix all dry ingredients together.

STEP TWO:

In the mixer combine the butter, egg whites, vanilla extract, sour cream and whole milk.

Madison was not digging the sour cream, but poured it in like a champ.

Egg whites are too difficult for the younger ones, so make sure you help them through that process.

STEP THREE:

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the mixer.

These two little hams were whispering and having a blast.

Don’t get busted tasting the batter! Who am I kidding? This is the best part.

*Please use your own discretion as there is raw egg in the batter.

STEP FOUR:

Line the pan with red cupcake papers and pour in the batter. I poured the batter into two smaller measuring cups with a lip to make it easier for the younger ones to add the batter themselves.

STEP FIVE:
Bake for 15-20 minutes

STEP SIX:

While the cupcakes are baking whip together the frosting.

Using a mixer, cream the butter. Then add the confectioners sugar slowly.

STEP SEVEN:

Add the salt, milk, cream and vanilla. Combine until fluffy.

Taste the batter. Add milk, cream or vanilla to suit your flavor.

We use a bowl instead of our gallon jug to measure the tablespoon. Clearly Jameson was thirsty. We’re not sure Madison thought it was a good idea!

STEP EIGHT:

Once the cupcakes are cooled, frost them. Then begin to decorate.

Santa’s hat and nose: sprinkles, red hots or red M&Ms.
Santa’s beard and hat: mini marshmallows
Santa’s eyes: mini chocolate chips

This is where their imagination went wild and they created their best version of Santa. At one point Madison said that Santa now had a red beard because he shaved. I giggled in the background as she tried to explain why he would have a red beard; all I could think was that poor Santa really cut himself shaving!