# What You'll Need:
→ Cupcake Batter
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1/2 cup whole milk
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Buttercream Frosting
09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
12 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt
→ Graduation Cap Toppers
14 - 12 mini peanut butter cups
15 - 12 chocolate square candies
16 - 12 pieces string licorice or sour candy strips
17 - 12 mini M&Ms or candy pearls
18 - 2 tablespoons melted chocolate or frosting for assembly
# How to Cook:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended.
04 - Add half the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture and blend. Pour in milk and mix gently. Add remaining dry ingredients and fold until just combined; do not overmix.
05 - Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. Transfer pan to wire rack and cool completely before frosting.
06 - Beat softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar while mixing. Pour in milk and vanilla extract, then add salt. Continue beating until fluffy and spreadable, approximately 3-4 minutes.
07 - Apply buttercream frosting to each cooled cupcake using a spatula or piping bag, creating an even, decorative swirl on top.
08 - Position a chocolate square candy flat-side up. Secure a mini peanut butter cup upside-down in the center using a small dab of melted chocolate or frosting. Attach a piece of licorice to one corner as the tassel and affix a mini M&M or candy pearl to the top as the button. Allow assembly to set completely before transfer.
09 - Once topper sets, carefully place each graduation cap on a frosted cupcake at a slight angle for an authentic appearance.
