M&M cupcakes are a delightful and whimsical twist on the classic cupcake, combining rich, moist cake with the crunchy, colorful appeal of M&Ms. This recipe is perfect for a variety of occasions, from children's birthday parties to casual get-togethers. The origins of these cupcakes lie in the creativity of combining simple ingredients to create a vibrant treat that tempts both the eye and the palate. The playful addition of M&Ms not only enhances their visual appeal but also introduces a sweet, chocolatey crunch. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is a fun way to experiment in the kitchen.

These M&M cupcakes pair wonderfully with a cup of milk for the kids or a cup of coffee for the adults. Consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert table, complementing other baked goods like cookies and brownies.

Servings: 12

1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup mini M&Ms, plus more for topping

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

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

In a large bowl, cream the 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.

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

Gently fold in the mini M&Ms.

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Sprinkle a few extra mini M&Ms on top of each cupcake for decoration.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

Remove from oven and allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frost with your favorite vanilla or chocolate frosting and enjoy!

For a more decadent treat, consider filling the cupcakes with a chocolate ganache before baking. Simply pipe a dollop of ganache into the center of each cupcake liner filled with batter. Another variation is to use peanut butter M&Ms for a peanutty twist or try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for a hint of coffee flavor. Additionally, you could use a cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the M&Ms.

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