Elf & Santa Cupcakes Recipe

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

Divide the batter evenly into two bowls. Add green food coloring to one bowl and red food coloring to the other. Stir until the colors are well incorporated.

Spoon a tablespoon of green batter into each cupcake liner. Follow with a tablespoon of red batter on top. Repeat until all liners are filled.

Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the colors together, creating a marbled effect.

Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

Decorate each cupcake with buttercream frosting, creating an elf hat on some cupcakes and a santa hat on others.

Use the red and green decorating gel to add details to the hats, such as stripes or polka dots.

Place candy eyes on the elf cupcakes to create their faces.

Serve and enjoy!