Let it snow! To the Sugar Mommas, snowflakes represent a fresh start – so in honor of new beginnings, we want to share our Snowflake Cupcakes with you.

Happy New Year!

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 5 egg whites
• 1 batch of Snowflake Icing (recipe follows)
• *Decorative appliqués

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the sugar and the butter. Add the vanilla. Add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk and water.

Switch out bowls and swap in the whisk attachment. Beat the egg whites until stiff, but not dry, about 1 1/2 minutes.

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold the egg whites into the batter. Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to fill the cupcake liners about 3/4 full.  Bake the cupcakes for about 20 minutes or until they spring back when touched in the center.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cupcakes are cooling, make the icing.

Snowflake Icing

Ingredients

• 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 1/4 cup milk, plus more as needed
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring, optional
• Food coloring spray, optional

Directions

Place the confectioner’s sugar in a large bowl. Slowly whisk in the milk until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.  Add the flavoring and mix.

If you want colored frosting, add food coloring one drop at a time to get your preferred color. Spread the icing onto cooled cupcakes and decorate. Once the icing has dried slightly, add the appliqué on top. Make sure to tell your guests to remove any non-edible decorations before eating!!

“Sugar, Sugar: Every Recipe Has a Story” now on Amazon.com (Andrews McMeel Publishing, October 26, 2011).  Amazon.com: Sugar, Sugar: Every Recipe Has a Story (9781449403584): Kimberly “Momma” Reiner, Jenna Sanz-Agero: Books