# What You Need:
→ Cupcakes
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1/2 cup whole milk
06 - 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
07 - 1/4 tsp salt
08 - 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
→ Buttercream Frosting
09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2 tbsp whole milk
12 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt
→ Graduation Cap Toppers
14 - 12 mini peanut butter cups or chocolate squares for nut-free option
15 - 12 chocolate square candies
16 - 12 pieces string licorice or sour candy strips for tassels
17 - 12 mini M&Ms or candy pearls for cap buttons
18 - Melted chocolate or frosting for assembly
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
04 - Add half the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture and combine. Pour in milk and mix. Add remaining dry ingredients and blend until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
05 - Distribute batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the tin before frosting.
06 - Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, alternating with milk additions. Add vanilla extract and salt. Continue beating until frosting achieves a fluffy, spreadable consistency.
07 - Apply buttercream frosting to each cooled cupcake using a piping bag or spatula, creating an even swirl on the surface.
08 - Position a chocolate square candy flat-side up as the cap base. Secure a mini peanut butter cup upside-down in the center using melted chocolate or frosting. Attach a licorice piece vertically as the tassel and affix a mini M&M or candy pearl to the top as the decorative button. Allow assembly to set completely.
09 - Place each finished graduation cap topper on a frosted cupcake.
