Gingerbread Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the molasses.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the lined cupcake pan, filling each liner about two-thirds full.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Peppermint Swirl Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool before frosting.

Christmas Tree Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside.
3. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in another bowl until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well. Then, add the milk and mix until combined.
5. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Add green food coloring until the desired shade is reached.
6. Fill the cupcake liners two-thirds full with the batter.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cooling before decorating.