# Components:
→ Cupcakes
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
09 - 1 cup whole milk
→ Buttercream Frosting
10 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
12 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
13 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
14 - Gel food coloring in red, green, yellow, and blue
→ Elf Hat Decorations
15 - 24 sugar cones
16 - Colored fondant or modeling chocolate in red, green, yellow, and white
17 - Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional)
18 - Mini marshmallows or white chocolate chips for hat pom-poms
19 - Piping gel or melted white chocolate for attaching decorations
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two 12-cup muffin pans with cupcake liners.
02 - In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
03 - Using an electric mixer, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract.
04 - Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour, mixing just until combined after each addition.
05 - Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
06 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract and milk. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Divide and tint with desired gel food coloring.
07 - Pipe a swirl of buttercream onto each cooled cupcake using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
08 - Cover each sugar cone with colored fondant or modeling chocolate. Add decorative details such as stripes, dots, and brims. Attach a mini marshmallow or white chocolate chip to the tip with piping gel or melted chocolate. Optionally, embellish with edible glitter or sprinkles.
09 - Place one elf hat atop each frosted cupcake, pressing gently to secure. Arrange the cupcakes on a tiered stand to form a whimsical tower.
