Mini Birthday Cupcakes

My new favorite gift?  Mini Cookies

What’s not to love?  Anything in miniature form is always better than the original.  Puppies are cuter than dogs…have you ever tried to pass a litter of free puppies on the side of the road?  (whatever, you know you wanted to stop!) Mini-skirts are way cuter than long skirts (well, ok…maybe they USED to be cuter…like when I was 20).

But no matter what…mini-cookies are always way more yummy than regular sized cookies. Mostly because you can eat MORE of the minis and it doesn’t count! (can I get an amen!)

Here is how I made a jar full of mini-cupcakes for my friend’s birthday:

Simply cut out cookies with any teeny tiny cupcake-shaped cutter.  I got this one at my local baking supply store.  I also have good luck at Michaels and sometimes Hobby Lobby.  Don’t have a cupcake shape?  No worries, seriously, any shape is cute when it’s teeny.

After you cut out the cupcake shapes (it only took about 15 to fill the jar), bake and let cool completely.

Next, choose your poison frosting.

Pipe Outline in blue (or whatever color you choose). 

For mini cookies I use the same consistency for my piping as for the filling. Think “thick syrup” and you will have it right.

Let outline set for 1 minute and then fill the inside.

Use a tooth pick to finish spreading icing to the sides.  Toothpicks are a baker’s best friend.

While still wet, sprinkle colorful jimmies on top.

See…aren’t they cute already?

Repeat steps above for the bottom of the cupcake (I chose red). Let dry on cookie sheet or rack over night.  Yes…over night. Don’t try and skimp, give the treats ample time to set.  If you try and take a short cut on this step you could be sorry later…trust me, I have first hand experience.

Fill a mason jar full of your mini cookies and tie a raffia ribbon at the top.  I like to use the wide-mouth mason jars…that way you can avoid the whole monkey girl getting her hand stuck in the jar because she won’t let go of the banana cookie situation…know what I mean jelly bean? 
So that’s it!  A handmade birthday treat complete with mini-cupcakes. 
Just remember, a hand-baked gift is always a winner.  Go get baking!
Over and out,
Sharee