Midnight Kiss Cupcakes: A Sweet Start to Your New Year
Ring in the New Year with Midnight Kiss Cupcakes, the perfect sweet treat to celebrate the countdown to midnight! These elegant cupcakes feature a rich, moist base topped with smooth chocolate frosting and crowned with a signature chocolate kiss. Add a touch of sparkle with sugar dusting, and you have a festive dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious. These cupcakes are simple to make at home and are sure to impress your guests while adding a touch of charm to your dessert table.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup buttermilk
For the Chocolate Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup heavy cream (plus more if needed)
1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish:
Chocolate kisses (one per cupcake)
Edible glitter or sparkling sugar
Instructions
Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Make the Cupcakes:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until combined.
Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then increase the speed and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more cream if needed.
Assemble the Cupcakes:
Use a piping bag with a star tip to swirl the chocolate frosting onto each cooled cupcake.
Place a chocolate kiss on top of each cupcake.
Lightly sprinkle with edible glitter or sparkling sugar for a festive touch.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for smoother batter and better texture.
Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can result in dense cupcakes. Mix just until combined.
Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cupcakes are baked through. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!
Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of heavy cream at a time until it’s perfect for piping.
Storage: Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Celebrate the countdown to midnight with these delightful Midnight Kiss Cupcakes. Their irresistible flavor, stunning presentation, and festive charm make them the ideal dessert for your New Year’s Eve party. Pair them with sparkling drinks or other celebratory treats, and you’ll have a spread that’s sure to dazzle your guests. Here’s to a sweet start to the New Year—enjoy every bite!