Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients:

– For the Cupcakes:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

– For the Frosting:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 3-4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Zest of 1/2 orange
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted
– For Decoration:
– Fresh cranberries
– Orange zest
– Extra white chocolate chips

Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Make the Cupcake Batter:
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
– Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
– Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
– Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips.

3. Bake the Cupcakes:
– Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
– Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean.
– Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Frosting:
– In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
– Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
– Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
– Fold in the melted white chocolate until fully combined.

5. Frost the Cupcakes:
– Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a piping bag or a spatula to frost the cupcakes with the white chocolate cream cheese frosting.

6. Decorate the Cupcakes:
– Garnish each cupcake with fresh cranberries, a sprinkle of orange zest, and a few extra white chocolate chips for a festive touch.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
– These Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Cupcakes are ready to enjoy! They’re perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a little sweetness and cheer.