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Perfect Mint Julep Cupcakes Recipe with Easy Bourbon Buttercream Frosting

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These cupcakes capture the refreshing essence of a mint julep with a moist, tender crumb and a silky bourbon buttercream frosting. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, they offer a delightful twist on a classic Southern cocktail.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 to 3 ½ cups (360–420 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for frosting)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, finely chopped (optional, for garnish or folding into frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the dry sugar mixture and continue beating until light and creamy.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  5. Stir in whole milk, vanilla extract, bourbon, and finely chopped fresh mint leaves.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula to avoid overmixing.
  7. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  10. For the frosting, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter on medium speed until creamy, about 3 minutes.
  11. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well between additions.
  12. Mix in bourbon and vanilla extract. Add heavy cream as needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
  13. Frost the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or knife. Garnish with a small mint leaf or powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Use fresh bright green mint leaves for best flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, replace bourbon with extra vanilla extract and a splash of milk. Avoid overmixing batter to keep cupcakes tender. Chill frosting if too soft before piping. Cupcakes can be frozen unfrosted and frosting separately for up to one month.

Nutrition

Keywords: mint julep cupcakes, bourbon buttercream frosting, cocktail cupcakes, Southern dessert, spring cupcakes, summer cupcakes, mint cupcakes, bourbon cupcakes

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/perfect-mint-julep-cupcakes-recipe-with-easy-bourbon-buttercream-frosting/