Shamrock Shake Cupcakes Mint (Print Version)

Moist cupcakes with vanilla-mint base and creamy mint frosting garnished with sprinkles and cherries.

# Recipe Ingredients:

→ Cupcakes

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tsp baking powder
03 - 1/4 tsp baking soda
04 - 1/4 tsp salt
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
09 - 1/2 tsp pure peppermint extract
10 - 1/2 cup whole milk
11 - 1/4 cup sour cream
12 - Green food coloring, gel preferred

→ Mint Frosting

13 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 2 tbsp whole milk
16 - 1/2 tsp pure peppermint extract
17 - 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
18 - Pinch of salt
19 - Green food coloring, gel preferred

→ Garnish

20 - Sprinkles or sanding sugar
21 - Maraschino cherries
22 - Mini straws

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together milk and sour cream.
06 - Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
07 - Add a few drops of green food coloring and gently fold until evenly tinted.
08 - Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling about 2/3 full each.
09 - Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - For the frosting, beat butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until incorporated.
11 - Mix in milk, peppermint and vanilla extracts, salt, and a few drops of green food coloring. Beat until fluffy and smooth.
12 - Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Garnish with sprinkles, cherries, and mini straws if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The frosting is basically edible comfort food that happens to look festive
  • They're easier to share than actual milkshakes and just as nostalgic
02 -
  • Overmixing the batter makes tough cupcakes, so stop as soon as flour disappears
  • Completely cooled cupcakes are essential or the frosting will melt right off
03 -
  • Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to two months
  • Sprinkle a pinch of salt in the frosting to make the mint flavor pop