Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. I often bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them unfrosted. On the day, I frost the cupcakes an hour before guests arrive for a fresh look. For school parties, I sometimes bake earlier in the week and freeze unfrosted cupcakes.

Can I make these without pink coloring?

Absolutely. The coloring is optional. Use it for a festive look for Valentine’s Day or skip it for a classic vanilla cupcake. You can also use natural colorings like beet juice if you prefer.

How do I keep the frosting from sliding off?

Chill the cupcakes for 10 to 15 minutes before piping. A cooler surface gives the frosting a place to hold. Also, make sure the cupcakes are fully cooled. Warm cupcakes cause the butter in frosting to soften and run.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes. Use a one-to-one gluten-free baking mix and follow any special instructions on your flour. The texture may be slightly different, but these cupcakes still work well.

How can I transport them to a party?

Use a cupcake carrier or a shallow box with parchment in the bottom. Place cupcakes in rows and press a second piece of parchment between layers if needed. If it is warm outside, keep frosting refrigerated until just before serving.

Mini Valentine’s Day Cupcakes for Parties: Sweet Bite-Size Treats

Name: Mini Valentine’s Day Cupcakes for Parties
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup milk; Few drops pink food coloring (optional); 1 cup frosting of choice; Valentine sprinkles

Description

Delightful mini cupcakes perfect for Valentine’s Day or any family gathering, easy to make and fun to decorate.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
Few drops pink food coloring (optional)
1 cup frosting of choice
Valentine sprinkles

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini cupcake pan with liners.
Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla; mix until smooth.
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
Add half of dry mix to wet ingredients, then milk, then remaining dry mix.
Add pink coloring if desired.
Spoon batter into liners, filling 2/3 full.
Bake 10–12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely and frost with buttercream, topping with sprinkles.

Notes

Use real vanilla extract for better flavor. Let your milk sit at room temperature for quicker batter mixing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American