# What You 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 or chocolate squares for nut-free option
15 - 12 chocolate square candies such as Ghirardelli
16 - 12 pieces of string licorice or sour candy strips for tassels
17 - 12 mini M&Ms or candy pearls for cap buttons
18 - Melted chocolate or frosting for assembly
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
04 - Add half the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture and blend. Add milk and mix, then add remaining dry ingredients. Combine until just incorporated without overmixing.
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 comes out clean. Transfer pan to cooling rack and allow cupcakes to cool completely.
06 - Beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, then add milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue beating until light, fluffy, and spreadable.
07 - Apply buttercream frosting to each cooled cupcake using a piping bag or spoon in an even swirl.
08 - Place chocolate square candy flat-side up. Attach mini peanut butter cup upside-down in center using melted chocolate or frosting. Secure licorice piece as tassel and mini M&M or pearl as button. Allow to set completely.
09 - Place each assembled graduation cap topper on a frosted cupcake.
