ROTD: Red Velvet Cupcakes

Ingredients

For the cupcakes

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup butter
• 2¼ cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 6 tbsp red food coloring
• 3 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ tsp salt
• 1½ cups buttermilk
• 1½ tsp vinegar
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• 12 cookies (like Oreos)

For the frosting

• 450g soft cream cheese, cubed
• 6 tbsp soft butter, cubed
• 1½ tsp liquid vanilla extract
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 12 cookies (like Oreos)

Instructions

Red Velvet Cupcakes

1. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
2. Preheat the oven to 160-170 degrees C.
3. Place cupcake liners in a muffin tin.
4. Sift the flour.
5. In a mixer, beat the butter and sugar at medium speed for 5 minutes until fluffy.
6. Add the eggs one at a time and beat well.
7. In a bowl, mix together the red food coloring, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Add to the mixture and continue beating.
8. Dissolve the salt in the buttermilk and mix well until the salt dissolves. Alternate adding this mixture with the flour to the batter. Mix well but do not overbeat.
9. In another bowl, mix the vinegar and baking soda. Add to the mixture and blend well.
10. Fill cupcake liners with the batter, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Frosting

1. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese, vanilla, and butter until slightly combined.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar. The mixture should be refrigerated.

Assembly:

1. 1. Remove the cupcakes from the muffin tin and allow them to cool completely.
   2. Decorate the cupcakes with the frosting and crushed cookies on top.

Enjoy!

Source: Argiro Barbarigou