Creating Santa Cupcakes is straightforward if you follow these easy steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder (if using), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well mixed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk (or buttermilk), vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined and no lumps remain.
5. Fill Cupcake Liners: Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about two-thirds full.
6. Bake: Place the cupcake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Frosting: While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare your buttercream frosting. You can use store-bought frosting or make your own.
9. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are cool, generously frost them with the vanilla buttercream.
10. Decorate: Create Santa’s face by placing mini marshmallows on the frosting for the beard, using red fondant or icing for the hat, and adding black icing or chocolate chips for the eyes.

These steps will guide you in creating festive Santa Cupcakes that are not only delicious but also visually stunning!