Margarita Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature preferred
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• Zest + fresh juice of 3 medium limes (about 1/4 cup juice)
• 2 Tablespoons tequila (optional)

Tequila Frosting

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3-4 Tablespoons tequila
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lime extract or lime oil, (optional)
• Candied lime slices, lime zest, and/or margarita salt for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. Make the batter: Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.
3. With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the butter on high speed in a large bowl until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the granulated sugar and beat on high speed for 2 minutes until creamed. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed. With the mixer running on low speed, add the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until combined. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed.
4. With the mixer running on low speed, slowly add some of the dry ingredients alternating with some of the milk until all is mixed. Increase to high speed and beat in the lime zest and juice until incorporated. Try to avoid overmixing.
5. Pour/spoon the batter into the liners (fill only 1/2 - 2/3 full to avoid spilling over the sides). Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While still warm, brush finished cupcakes with tequila. This infuses extra tequila flavor. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
6. Make the frosting: In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the butter on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the confectioners' sugar 1 cup at a time, beating on low at first then increasing to high speed. Once incorporated, add the next cup. Once creamy and combined, beat in the tequila, vanilla extract, and lime flavoring on high speed. Taste. Add more flavoring as needed.
7. Frost cooled cupcakes. Garnish with candied lime slices or lime zest, (or sprinkle with a little margarita salt right before serving), if desired.