Champagne Cupcakes: The Sweetest Way to Ring in the New Year

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Nothing says New Year’s Eve like a bit of bubbly—and this time, we’re bringing it to dessert! Champagne cupcakes are the ultimate festive treat, combining the light, airy sweetness of cake with the sparkle of champagne. They’re perfect for ringing in the new year with friends and family or as an elegant touch to any party spread. Here’s how to make these glamorous cupcakes that taste as good as they look.

How to Make Champagne Cupcakes

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup champagne (choose a dry or semi-sweet variety)
• ½ cup whole milk

For the champagne frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons champagne
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: Edible glitter, gold sprinkles, or a splash of food coloring for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with festive liners. Gold or silver liners add an extra celebratory touch!

Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step ensures your cupcakes are soft and moist.

Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the champagne and milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter. You’ll end up with a smooth, slightly bubbly batter that smells divine.

Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed. Add the champagne and vanilla extract, then beat on high until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding more champagne for a softer frosting or more powdered sugar for a firmer texture.

Decorate the Cupcakes
Using a piping bag or spatula, frost the cooled cupcakes with the champagne buttercream. Add edible glitter, gold sprinkles, or a drop of food coloring swirled into the frosting for extra sparkle. Top with a small candy pearl or a gold star for an extra festive flair.

Tips for Success

• Use good champagne: While you don’t need to splurge on the top shelf, a decent dry or semi-sweet champagne adds the best flavor.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature to create a smoother batter and frosting.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cupcake, use a dry champagne and reduce the sugar slightly in the frosting.
• Prep ahead: You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them unfrosted in an airtight container. Frost them the day of your event for maximum freshness.

Why Champagne Cupcakes Are Perfect for NYE

These cupcakes are the edible equivalent of a toast—light, bubbly, and utterly celebratory. They bring just the right amount of sparkle to your New Year’s party and pair beautifully with a glass of champagne. Plus, they’re easy to make but impressive enough to wow your guests. Whether you’re hosting a glamorous soirée or keeping it low-key with loved ones, champagne cupcakes are the sweetest way to start the new year right.

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