Ingredients:
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon red food coloring
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.
3. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Vanilla Icing and Sugar Sparkles:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Sugar sparkles or sprinkles
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
2. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, drizzle the vanilla icing over the tops of the cupcakes.
3. Sprinkle sugar sparkles or sprinkles over the icing for extra sparkle and sweetness.
Heart-Shaped Shortbread Pink Cookies:
You can make the shortbread cookies ahead of time using a basic shortbread recipe, and then shape them into hearts and decorate them with pink icing or sprinkles.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– Pink food coloring (gel or liquid)
– Heart-shaped cookie cutter
– Pink icing or sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Add pink food coloring to the dough and mix until evenly colored.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Once cooled, decorate the cookies with pink icing or sprinkles as desired.
Enjoy your delicious red velvet cupcakes with vanilla icing, sugar sparkles, and heart-shaped shortbread pink cookies! Perfect for sharing with loved ones on Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.