# What You'll Need:
→ 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
19 - Piping gel or melted white chocolate
# Steps to Follow:
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.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Stir gently until just combined.
05 - Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
06 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract and milk. Beat until light and fluffy. Divide and tint with gel food coloring as desired.
07 - Using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, frost cooled cupcakes with a swirl of colored buttercream.
08 - Cover each sugar cone with colored fondant or modeling chocolate. Add decorative details such as stripes, dots, or hat brims. Attach a mini marshmallow or white chocolate chip to the tip using piping gel or melted chocolate. Optionally, sprinkle with edible glitter.
09 - Place an elf hat on each frosted cupcake, pressing gently to secure.
10 - Arrange cupcakes on a tiered cupcake stand to form a festive tower centerpiece.
