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Perfect Mint Julep Cupcakes Recipe with Easy Bourbon Buttercream Frosting

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These cupcakes combine fresh mint and a smooth bourbon buttercream frosting for a moist, tender treat that captures the essence of a Southern garden party. Perfect for celebrations or a special everyday dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp bourbon (e.g., Maker’s Mark)
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 ½ cups (420g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tbsp bourbon (for frosting, adjust to taste)
  • 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (to adjust frosting consistency)
  • 1 tsp fresh mint leaves, finely minced (optional, for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream ½ cup softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and pale, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and 2 tbsp bourbon.
  5. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined.
  6. Fold in finely chopped fresh mint leaves.
  7. Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. To make frosting: Beat 1 cup softened butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
  11. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well between additions.
  12. Add 2 tbsp bourbon, pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon heavy cream. Beat on high for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more cream or powdered sugar if needed.
  13. Fold in minced fresh mint (optional).
  14. Pipe or spread frosting generously over cooled cupcakes.
  15. Garnish with a small mint leaf or a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

[‘Use fresh mint for best flavor; dried mint is not recommended.’, ‘Do not overmix batter to avoid dense cupcakes.’, ‘Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.’, ‘Adjust bourbon quantity in frosting to taste for warmth without overpowering alcohol flavor.’, ‘Use an ice cream scoop for consistent cupcake size.’, ‘If frosting is too soft, chill in fridge for 10 minutes before piping.’, ‘Cool cupcakes fully before frosting to prevent melting.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: mint julep cupcakes, bourbon buttercream, Southern dessert, Kentucky Derby cupcakes, mint cupcakes, bourbon frosting, easy cupcakes

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