Mini cupcakes are tiny bundles of joy, perfect for turning any gathering into a sweet little celebration. Vanilla scented batter with a bright twist of lemon bakes up into bite sized treats that puff golden in the oven. A touch of rum extract adds cozy flavor without any alcohol. Finished with fluffy pastel swirls of frosting, these mini delights are easy to make, endlessly charming, and guaranteed to disappear fast at picnics, tea parties, or anytime you want a little sunshine on a plate.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Mini Cupcakes
- Perfectly portioned for guilt-free indulgence.
- Endless flavor combinations to suit every taste.
- Great for parties, gatherings, or just a sweet treat.
- Easy to make and fun to decorate with loved ones.

Mini Cupcakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin pan with cute paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins!
- Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don’t overdo it!
- Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. They’ll rise beautifully!
- Bake for 12–15 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean when they’re done.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. Enjoy your mini masterpieces!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Fiber | 0g |
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make delicious mini cupcakes!

- 1½ cups all-purpose flour – the base for your cupcakes
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder – helps the cupcakes rise
- ¼ teaspoon salt – enhances flavor
- ½ cup unsalted butter – softened for creaminess
- 2 large eggs – binds the ingredients together
- ½ cup whole milk – adds moisture
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – provides a delightful aroma
How to Make Mini Cupcakes
Get ready to whip up some delightful mini cupcakes! With a preparation time of 15 minutes, cooking time of 12–15 minutes, and a little extra cooling time, you’ll have these bite-sized treats ready to impress in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin pan with cute paper liners.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don’t overdo it!
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups
Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. They’ll rise beautifully!
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean when they’re done.
Step 8: Cool and Frost
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. Enjoy your mini masterpieces!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Extra Time | 5 minutes (Cooling time) |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 24 servings |
| Best Served | Frosted and enjoyed fresh! |
Pro Tips for Making Mini Cupcakes
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform batter portions.
- Don’t overmix the batter for light, fluffy cupcakes.
- Fill liners only 2/3 full to allow for rising.
- Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting for best results.
- Experiment with different flavors and toppings for variety.
How to Serve this Mini Cupcakes
- Top with a swirl of colorful buttercream frosting for a festive touch.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert combo.
- Arrange on a tiered stand for an eye-catching presentation at parties.
- Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
- Garnish with sprinkles or edible glitter for a fun, celebratory vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your mini cupcakes later is easy!
Storing Mini Cupcakes Leftovers
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing Mini Cupcakes
- Cool cupcakes completely before freezing.
- Wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped cupcakes in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Mini Cupcakes
- Thaw frozen cupcakes in the refrigerator overnight.
- For a warm treat, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Check for warmth; avoid overheating.
- Enjoy with your favorite frosting or toppings!
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Does Costco have mini cupcakes?
Yes, Costco does offer mini cupcakes in their bakery section. They are often available in various flavors and are perfect for parties or gatherings. However, availability may vary by location, so it’s a good idea to check with your local Costco for their current offerings.
2. How long do mini cupcakes take to bake at 350 degrees?
Mini cupcakes typically take about 12 to 15 minutes to bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s always a good idea to check them a couple of minutes before the timer goes off, as oven temperatures can vary. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
3. How to make mini cupcakes at home?
Making mini cupcakes at home is simple! Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare your mini cupcake pan with liners. Mix your favorite cupcake batter, fill the liners about two-thirds full, and bake for 12-15 minutes. Once cooled, you can frost them with your favorite icing and enjoy!
4. How many minutes for mini cupcakes?
Mini cupcakes usually take around 12 to 15 minutes to bake. Keep an eye on them as they bake, and use the toothpick test to ensure they are fully cooked. Enjoy your delicious bite-sized treats!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about mini cupcakes! They’re perfect for any occasion, and their bite-sized goodness makes them irresistible. So, gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and enjoy the delightful flavors together. Remember, baking should be fun and rewarding, so don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings. Happy baking!

