i love cupcakes.

I love cupcakes. They are such a perfect portion of sugary goodness. I used to want to make an entire bakery - cupcake-theme related - and then Sprinkles came along and beat me to the punch. I still love making them though. In honor of the upcoming holiday season, here is a really good pumpkin cupcake recipe with cream cheese frosting:

Pumpkin Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups flour

1 cup white sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs

1 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

ICING:

250g cream cheese, softened

1 tbsp butter

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup sugar

orange sprinkles (optional)

DIRECTIONS FOR CUPCAKES:

1. In a large bowl, sift and whisk flour, sugar, pumpkin spice, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, blend in pumpkin, buttermilk and oil.

3. Pour over dry ingredients - stir until moistened.

4. Spoon into large paper-lined muffin cups - pour filling to top.

5. Bake at 375 degree oven, 18-22 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

DIRECTIONS FOR ICING:

1. In bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Add sugar and beat until smooth. Spread on cupcakes, and decorate with sprinkles.

**Butterscotch baking chips are great on top too!