Spooky Skull Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 cup white candy melts
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate candy melts or dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup Halloween sprinkles (orange, purple, black, white nonpareils)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with milk until just combined. Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full with batter.
5. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. For decorations, melt white candy melts; pour into skull molds and refrigerate until firm. Decorate with melted dark chocolate features once set.
7. Prepare vanilla buttercream by beating softened butter; gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to achieve desired consistency.
8. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes, place skulls on top, and sprinkle with Halloween sprinkles.