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Overhead shot of three green cupcakes with white frosting, each topped with a red M&M.

Grinch Cupcakes: Delightful Festive Treats

Green vanilla cupcakes with peppermint frosting and M&Ms, a festive Christmas dessert ready in 50 minutes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Cupcakes
  • 1 cup granulated sugar 190g
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil 59ml
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 10ml
  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract optional
  • 1/4 cup full fat sour cream 60g, at room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 175g
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 6g
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup milk (any type) 158ml, at room temperature
  • Electric Green gel food coloring
Frosting
  • 2 cups unsalted butter 454g, cold
  • 8 cups powdered sugar 1041g
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 15ml
  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract optional
  • Pinch of salt
  • Assorted gel colors
  • M&Ms

Method
 

Cupcakes

  1. Preheat Oven and Line Tin:

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

  2. Mix Sugar and Oil:

    In a large bowl, mix together granulated sugar and vegetable oil until combined.

  3. Add Eggs and Extracts:

    Add eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract (if using), mixing until smooth.

  4. Stir in Sour Cream:

    Stir in the sour cream until well combined.

  5. Whisk Dry Ingredients:

    In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

  6. Alternate Dry and Wet:

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.

  7. Tint Batter Green:

    Add electric green gel food coloring to achieve desired green color.

  8. Fill Cupcake Liners:

    Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

  9. Bake Cupcakes:

    Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  10. Cool Completely:

    Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
Frosting

  1. Beat Butter and Sugar:

    For the frosting, beat the cold unsalted butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.

  2. Add Extracts and Salt:

    Add vanilla extract, peppermint extract (if using), and a pinch of salt, then mix until combined.

  3. Tint and Decorate Frosting:

    Use green gel color to tint the frosting and decorate the cooled cupcakes as desired.

  4. Top with M&Ms:

    Top with M&Ms for a festive touch.