Easter Chick Mini Cupcakes are as delightful to look at as they are to eat! 🐣🧁
Ingredients (Makes 24 mini cupcakes):
For the mini cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tsp lemon zest (for a citrusy Easter twist)
For the frosting & decoration:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Yellow gel food colouring
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- Candy eyes or mini chocolate chips
- Orange candy melts, Starburst, or fondant (for beaks & feet)
- Optional: Mini marshmallows for wings
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Directions:
1. Bake the Mini Cupcakes:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with mini cupcake liners.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest (if using), and beat to combine.
5. Gradually alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing until smooth.
6. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool completely before decorating.
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2. Make the Yellow Frosting:
1. Beat butter until creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk gradually until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add yellow gel food colouring until you reach your desired chick-like shade.
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3. Decorate the Chick Cupcakes:
1. Frost each cupcake with a dome of yellow buttercream using a spatula or piping bag.
2. Press shredded coconut over the frosting to create a fluffy chick texture.
3. Place candy eyes near the top center.
4. Cut orange candy melts or Starburst into tiny triangles for beaks and small feet shapes. Press them into place.
5. Optional: Add mini marshmallow wings on each side or pipe small dollops of frosting for feathered wings.
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4. Serve & Store:
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Best served at room temperature so frosting stays soft and fluffy.
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Optional Variations:
- Use lemon cupcakes for a springy flavour boost
- Skip the coconut for a smoother chick look
- Swap buttercream for cream cheese frosting if preferred
- Make a few chicks with different facial expressions for fun variety