Mini Cherry Cupcakes

Mini Cherry Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 1/3 c. all-purpose flour

2/3 c. granulated sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. salt

2/3 c. milk

¼ c. butter, softened

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

2/3 c. cherry preserves

30 maraschino cherries, drained, but reserve the juice

Powdered Sugar Cherry icing: Mix together until smooth 2 ½ c. confectioner’s sugar, 2 Tbsp. reserved cherry juice, ¼ tsp. vanilla, ¼ tsp. almond extract.

Directions:

1. Line 30 mini muffin cups with miniature paper baking cups.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

3. Add milk, butter, egg and vanilla. Beat on low until combined and on medium for one additional minute.

4. Spoon just enough batter into the paper cup to cover the bottom. Add ½ tsp. cherry preserves and then top with enough batter to cover the preserves. Cups should be ¾ full.

5. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool pan on wire rack for about 5 minutes before removing cakes. Cool completely on wire rack.

6. Drizzle tops with icing and top with maraschino cherry while icing is still soft.