M&M Cream Cheese Cupcakes

(Courtesy of Carla Hall)

Ingredients:
2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 3/4 c. granulated sugar
6 Tbsp. butter, room temperature, plus more for greasing
2 c. buttermilk
3 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. milk chocolate M&Ms, plus more for topping
FROSTING:
16 oz. cream cheese, softened
12 Tbsp. butter, softened
4 c. confectioner's sugar
1/4 c. maple syrup

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare 2 (12 count each) muffin tins with cupcake liners.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the first 4 ingredients.  Beat in butter until fully incorporated.

In another bowl or large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs and vanilla.  Pour the liquid into the dry mix and stir to combine, making sure not to overwork the batter.  Fold in 1 c. M&Ms.  Divide the mixture between the muffin tins and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cake is golden brown.  Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then remove from pan and transfer to a rack to cool completely.  Decorate top of cupcake with frosting and garnish with M&Ms.

To make the frosting: in a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until lightly and fluffy.  Add the confectioner's sugar and mix until fully incorporated.  Stir in the maple syrup and salt until combined.

Tip: For a more tender cake, mix the butter into the flour prior to adding the wet ingredients.

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