**Shamrock Shake Cupcakes** are a fun and festive treat inspired by the famous Shamrock Shake. These minty, green cupcakes are topped with a creamy, delicious frosting and are perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any time you’re craving something minty and sweet! Here’s the recipe to make them:
### Ingredients:
#### For the cupcakes:
– 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (or homemade vanilla cake recipe)
– 1 cup water
– 1/3 cup vegetable oil
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1-2 drops green food coloring (for the “shamrock” green color)
#### For the frosting:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1-2 drops green food coloring
– 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for garnish)
### Instructions:
#### For the cupcakes:
1. **Preheat the oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. **Prepare the cake batter:**
– In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and a few drops of green food coloring to achieve a minty green color.
– Mix everything together until the batter is smooth and fully combined (use an electric mixer or whisk).
3. **Bake the cupcakes:**
– Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
#### For the frosting:
4. **Make the frosting:**
– In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
– Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
– Add the heavy cream (or milk) and peppermint extract, and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Add a few drops of green food coloring until you reach the desired shade of green.
– If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream, and if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. **Frost the cupcakes:**
– Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or a regular knife) to frost the cupcakes with the minty frosting.
– Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for garnish, or add a decorative cherry or a small shamrock-shaped decoration for extra fun.
### Tips:
– You can adjust the minty flavor by adding more or less peppermint extract depending on your preference.
– For an extra indulgent touch, you can also drizzle some chocolate syrup on top or serve with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
These **Shamrock Shake Cupcakes** are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or whenever you’re in the mood for a minty, festive treat! Enjoy!