# 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: red, green, yellow, blue
→ Elf Hat Decorations
15 - 24 sugar cones
16 - Colored fondant or modeling chocolate: red, green, yellow, 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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 12-cup muffin pans with cupcake liners.
02 - In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
03 - In a large bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Alternately add the flour mixture and whole milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until blended.
05 - Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.
06 - Beat unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing. Stir in vanilla extract and milk, beating until light and fluffy. Divide frosting and tint with gel food coloring as desired.
07 - Using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, frost the cooled cupcakes with swirls of colored buttercream frosting.
08 - Cover each sugar cone with colored fondant or modeling chocolate, adding details like stripes, dots, and brims. Attach a mini marshmallow or white chocolate chip to the cone tip with piping gel or melted white chocolate. Optionally, apply edible glitter or sprinkles.
09 - Place one decorated elf hat on each frosted cupcake, pressing gently to secure. Arrange cupcakes on a tiered stand to create a festive tower effect.
