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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Cupcakes » Mini Cupcakes

    Mini Cupcakes

    Published: September 4, 2015 · Modified: Oct 31, 2019 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    Want a treat that gives you all the cute without the major sugar crash/ regret afterward? This is it. These mini-cupcakes are positively delicious!

    chocolate covered mini vanilla cupcakes on a marble table
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    mini cupcakes with chocolate frosting on a wire cooling rack

    There are times when you want a treat that tasty and cute but won’t give you a sugar crash/ immediate sense of regret, afterward. Or is that just me? Under these circumstances, SMALLER is definitely BETTER. Let’s make some mini-cupcakes. Who’s in?

    v cupcakes ing

    Start off by getting all your ingredients together. Don’t forget to lighten the flour before measuring it. If you pack the flour in the cupcakes will be dense and bready.

    If you want to see how to make my ultra moist (regular-sized) vanilla cupcakes check out this post with full how to video! It’s my most popular recipe!

    Steps to Make chocolate Vanilla Mini Cupcakes

     two photos showing the steps to make mini cupcakes

    • Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy in texture. Doing this mixes air into your batter for a fluffier cupcake.
    • Add the eggs in one at a time, then mix in that vanilla extract. You can add a bit extra if desired!

     

    • Mix in the sifted and whisked dry ingredients. Fill your cupcake lines about 2/3 the way full. Bake at 350F for about 12-15 minutes or until the centers are just set. Line your mini cupcake tin with paper liners. I love using a variety of colors and patterns for extra festiveness.
    • Cream the butter and add in the cocoa powder, confectioners sugar, salt, and milk. The milk should be added a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Allow to cool before frosting! You don’t want a total chocolate mess on your hands 🙂

    mini cupcakes covered in chocolate buttercream

    Ice the cupcakes! I went for a very loose buttercream with a thin consistency so there was no worrying about piping the perfect pattern, just smooth some on and add a few sprinkles on for a pop of color if desired.

    If you love cupcakes check out these recipes!

    Moist Vanilla Cupcakes

    Chocolate Cupcakes

    German Chocolate Cupcakes

    Strawberry Cupcakes

    Pro Tips for making these Mini Cupcakes

    • Want an even moister cupcake? Add a 1/4 cup of sour cream or yogurt to the recipe here and enjoy!
    • Measure your flour correctly! Adding too much flour to the recipe is the most common mistake. The best, and easiest way to measure flour is by using a scale. If you don’t have one then fluff your flour with a spoon, sprinkle it into your measuring cup, and use a knife to level it off.
    • Watch the baking time carefully. These mini cupcakes can go from perfectly moist to dry and burnt quickly as they are quite small.

    If you’ve tried these mini cupcakes then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

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    5 from 79 votes

    Mini Cupcakes

    These Mini cupcakes are tiny but delicious!  Moist and fluffy vanilla cupcakes covered in a creamy chocolate buttercream! 
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 12 minutes
    Total Time 22 minutes
    Servings 24 Mini Cupcakes
    Calories 168kcal
    Author John Kanell

    Ingredients

    For the Cupcakes

    • 2 cup flour
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 2 tsp baking powder
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
    • 3/4 cup sugar if you like your cupcakes very sweet, add a little more.
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 cup milk
    • 2 tsp vanilla extract

    For the Chocolate Icing

    • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
    • 3 tbs cocoa powder
    • 1/4 cup whole milk
    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    Instructions

    For the Cake:

    • Preheat oven to 375f and line muffin cups with papers.
    • Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
    • Beat in eggs one at a time.
    • Add flour (mixed with baking powder and salt) alternating with milk beat well; stir in vanilla.
    • Divide evenly among pans and bake on center rack for 18 minutes or until a wooden skewer removes cleanly.
    • Let the mini-cupcakes cool in pan.

    For the Icing:

    • Whisk the cocoa powder into the melted butter. Add the milk and vanilla, and whisk until frothy. Make sure the cocoa powder has completely dissolved. 
    • Work the powdered sugar into the liquids a little at a time until fully incorporated using an electric mixer. 
    • The frosting should be thick but spreadable. You can add more powdered sugar for a thicker consistency. I left mine on the thinner side as I did not plan on piping the icing.
    • Decorate with sprinkles if desired 🙂

    Notes

    • Want an even moister cupcake? Add a 1/4 cup of sour cream or yogurt to the recipe here and enjoy!
    • Measure your flour correctly! Adding too much flour to the recipe is the most common mistake. The best, and easiest way to measure flour is by using a scale. If you don't have one then fluff your flour with a spoon, sprinkle it into your measuring cup, and use a knife to level it off.
    • Watch the baking time carefully. These mini cupcakes can go from perfectly moist to dry and burnt quickly as they are quite small.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 25g | Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 60mg | Potassium: 85mg | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 0.7mg
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!
    « Vanilla Bundt Cake
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    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

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