We’ve always been huge fans of Molly’s Cupcakes – those irresistible treats that originated from a cozy Chicago bakery and have won hearts worldwide with their fluffy texture and creative flavors. They bring a touch of nostalgia and joy to any occasion making them perfect for bakers of all levels.
In our kitchen we’ve perfected this recipe to capture that authentic charm while keeping it simple and fun. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a sweet fix we’ll show you how to whip up these crowd-pleasers with ease.
Ingredients
In our perfected recipe for Molly’s Cupcakes, we start with high-quality ingredients that capture the delightful flavors and fluffy texture we’ve come to love. To ensure accuracy and ease, we’ve organized this list in the order of use, including any necessary prep notes for optimal results.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Sifted to avoid lumps, as it’s the base that gives our cupcakes their signature light structure.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Measured precisely for the perfect sweetness that balances the nostalgic charm of Molly’s Cupcakes.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Fresh and leveled, to provide the reliable rise we rely on for that fluffy texture.
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs: At room temperature to blend seamlessly and enhance the moist crumb.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Melted and cooled, ensuring rich flavor without overwhelming the batter.
- 1 cup whole milk: Chilled, as it’s added next to create a smooth consistency.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: High-quality for authentic taste, stirred in last among the wet components to preserve its aroma.
This selection of ingredients reflects our commitment to replicating the global appeal of Molly’s Cupcakes, making them simple yet irresistible for bakers of all levels.
Tools and Equipment
Having selected our premium ingredients for Molly’s Cupcakes, we now turn to the essential tools and equipment that make the baking process straightforward and efficient. These items help us achieve that signature fluffy texture and delightful flavor with precision and ease, ensuring every step from mixing to baking runs smoothly.
To replicate the charm of these beloved cupcakes, gather the following tools in the order we’ll use them:
- Measuring cups and spoons: We start with these for accurate measurements of our dry and wet ingredients, such as sifted all-purpose flour and granulated sugar, to maintain the perfect balance in our batter.
- Large mixing bowls (at least two): Essential for combining ingredients, we’ll use one for dry components like baking powder and another for wet ones like eggs and melted butter, promoting even mixing without contamination.
- Electric mixer or handheld whisk: This tool is key for creaming butter and sugar to achieve that light, airy consistency; we recommend an electric mixer for speed and efficiency, especially if you’re baking in larger batches.
- Spatula: We’ll use this to scrape down the sides of the bowl and fold in ingredients gently, ensuring no batter is wasted and the mixture remains uniform.
- Muffin tin and cupcake liners: For baking, these are crucial; the muffin tin holds our batter securely, while liners make removal easy and keep cupcakes moist—aim for a standard 12-cup tin to yield a dozen perfect treats.
- Oven thermometer: To guarantee even baking, we rely on this for monitoring oven temperature accurately, as slight variations can affect the rise and texture of our cupcakes.
- Cooling rack: Once baked, we’ll transfer the cupcakes here to cool evenly, preventing sogginess and preserving that fresh-baked appeal.
| Tool | Estimated Prep Time Saved (minutes) | Frequency of Use in Recipe |
|---|---|---|
| Measuring cups and spoons | 5 | High (multiple steps) |
| Electric mixer | 10 | Medium (creaming stage) |
| Muffin tin | 2 | Low (baking only) |
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through the straightforward steps to create Molly’s Cupcakes with their signature fluffy texture and delightful flavors.
Prepare the Batter
First, we sift the dry ingredients together to ensure a light and airy base. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of baking powder along with ½ teaspoon of salt. Use our electric mixer on medium speed to blend these until uniform, which takes about 1-2 minutes and eliminates lumps for that perfect rise.
Next, we prepare the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Whisk 2 room temperature eggs with ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 cup of chilled whole milk, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, hinting at the rich, buttery aroma that defines Molly’s Cupcakes.
We combine the wet and dry mixtures gradually. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl and mix on low speed for about 1 minute, then increase to medium until the batter is just combined and velvety—this prevents overmixing and maintains the cupcakes’ tender crumb. At this stage, the batter’s light vanilla scent and glossy appearance promise the joyful, nostalgic flavors we’re aiming for.
Bake the Cupcakes
Preheat your oven to 350°F for even baking, using the oven thermometer to confirm accuracy—this step is crucial for achieving the fluffy texture Molly’s Cupcakes are known for. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and fill each one about two-thirds full with batter, yielding approximately 12-14 cupcakes depending on size.
Place the muffin tin in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, ensuring the cupcakes remain moist and springy. Once baked, the golden tops will release a warm, inviting aroma, signaling the delightful flavors are ready to cool on the rack for about 10 minutes.
Frost and Decorate
While the cupcakes cool completely on the rack, we prepare a simple buttercream frosting to enhance their flavors. In a clean bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 4 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of whole milk, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract using the electric mixer on high speed for 3-5 minutes until fluffy and spreadable—the frosting should have a silky texture and sweet vanilla taste that complements the cupcakes perfectly.
Once the cupcakes are cool, we apply the frosting using a spatula or piping bag for a professional finish. Spread or pipe about 2 tablespoons of frosting per cupcake, creating swirls or patterns as desired. For decoration, sprinkle with edible glitter or colorful sprinkles to add a festive touch, making each Molly’s Cupcake visually appealing and ready for any occasion with its creamy sweetness and vibrant colors.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Molly’s Cupcakes even more convenient for busy bakers, we recommend several make-ahead strategies that preserve the fluffy texture and delightful flavors without compromising quality. This allows you to prepare components in advance, saving time on the day of serving while ensuring your cupcakes remain as irresistible as ever.
Preparing the Batter Ahead
One of the easiest ways to streamline baking is to prepare the batter in advance. Follow these steps to keep it fresh:
- Mix the batter as outlined in our recipe: Combine the sifted dry ingredients and whisked wet ingredients until smooth, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate immediately: Store the batter in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This helps maintain the batter’s structure and prevents over-activation of the baking powder.
- Bring to room temperature before baking: When ready to use, let the batter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even baking and the signature fluffy rise.
Baking the Cupcakes Ahead
If you prefer to bake the cupcakes fully before the event, this method works wonders for make-ahead planning:
- Bake as per instructions: Once baked and cooled on the rack, store the unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer in an airtight container.
- Storage options: For short-term storage, keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months by wrapping individually in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag.
- Thawing process: To thaw, transfer frozen cupcakes to the refrigerator overnight or leave at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Avoid microwaving, as it can affect the texture.
Frosting and Decorations Ahead
Our simple buttercream frosting can also be made in advance to add that festive touch effortlessly:
- Prepare the frosting as directed: Whip the buttercream until light and fluffy, then transfer it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate or freeze: Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Before use, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and re-whip for 1-2 minutes to restore its creamy consistency.
- Assembly tip: Frost the cupcakes no more than 2 hours before serving to keep the Molly’s Cupcakes looking fresh and preventing the frosting from softening.
For a quick overview of make-ahead timelines and storage, refer to the table below:
| Component | Make-Ahead Method | Storage Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batter | Refrigerate after mixing | Up to 24 hours | Bring to room temperature before baking for optimal rise. |
| Baked Cupcakes | Cool and store unfrosted | Room temp: 2 days; Freeze: 3 months | Thaw in refrigerator to maintain fluffy texture. |
| Frosting | Prepare and store | Fridge: 1 week; Freeze: 3 months | Re-whip after thawing for best results. |
By following these make-ahead instructions, we empower you to enjoy our Molly’s Cupcakes recipe with ease, whether for a spontaneous gathering or planned celebration.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve joined us on this baking adventure with Molly’s Cupcakes. It’s rewarding to create treats that bring smiles and memories.
Remember, this recipe’s flexibility lets you tweak flavors or decorations to suit your style.
By trying it out, you’ll add a touch of homemade magic to your gatherings, and we’re confident it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Molly’s Cupcakes?
Molly’s Cupcakes are beloved treats known for their fluffy texture and delightful flavors, gaining global popularity. They’re easy to make and bring a nostalgic joy, perfect for any occasion, even for beginner bakers.
What ingredients are needed for Molly’s Cupcakes?
You’ll need dry ingredients like sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder, plus wet ones such as room-temperature eggs, melted unsalted butter, chilled whole milk, and pure vanilla extract. This combination ensures a simple, high-quality recipe that’s accessible for all skill levels.
What tools are essential for baking Molly’s Cupcakes?
Key tools include measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, large mixing bowls, an electric mixer or whisk, a spatula, a muffin tin with liners, an oven thermometer, and a cooling rack. These help achieve the perfect fluffy texture efficiently, saving prep time and boosting baking success.
How do I prepare and bake Molly’s Cupcakes?
Start by sifting dry ingredients and whisking wet ones together to form a smooth batter. Preheat your oven, fill lined muffin tins, and bake for about 18-22 minutes until done. Cool completely before frosting for the best results—it’s straightforward and fun for all bakers.
How do I frost Molly’s Cupcakes?
Make a simple buttercream by whipping butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread or pipe onto cooled cupcakes, then add sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch. This step makes your cupcakes visually appealing and deliciously irresistible.
Can I make Molly’s Cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, prepare batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Bake cupcakes ahead and store unfrosted for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer. Frosting can also be made ahead, stored in the fridge, and re-whipped before use, making it convenient for busy schedules.
Are Molly’s Cupcakes suitable for beginner bakers?
Absolutely! The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, with tools that are easy to handle. It’s designed for all skill levels, offering tips to ensure success and a joyful baking experience right from the start.