Sweetheart Cupcakes

These adorable Sweetheart Cupcakes are the perfect treat for your loved ones. Moist and fluffy, with a delicate pink hue, they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Plus, the swirly heart design on top adds an extra touch of sweetness, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any day you want to show some love.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (pink and red)
• Confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy.

Add the milk and beat until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Beat in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined. Do not overmix.

Divide the batter evenly among 7 muffin cups.

Add a few drops of pink food coloring to tint the batter a lovely shade of pink. Mix well to combine.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

Allow the cupcakes to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use red food coloring to create a heart design on top of each cupcake.

You can use a toothpick or a small paintbrush to create a swirly heart pattern.

Dust the tops with confectioners’ sugar to finish.

Notes

Make sure to adjust your oven rack to the middle position to ensure even baking.

Use room temperature ingredients, especially the eggs, for a lighter texture.

Don’t overmix the batter, as it can lead to dense cupcakes.

If you’re not comfortable creating a heart design with red food coloring, you can simply use a toothpick to create a small dot in the center of each cupcake.

To ensure the cupcakes are fully cooked, check if they’re firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let the cupcakes cool completely in the pan to prevent breaking or crumbling.

Confectioners’ sugar can be adjusted to your liking, but a light dusting gives a nice subtle sweetness.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 242
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 37g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 3g