Directions:

• Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners and set it aside.
• Making the Cupcakes: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Cream the ingredients until smooth.
• Adding the Wet Ingredients: Add in the apple cider and eggs to the mixture and mix well until fully combined.
• Incorporate the Flour: Combine the flour with the mixture and mix on medium speed for two minutes until you have a smooth batter.
• Fill and Bake: Fill each cupcake liner until they are about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 14-16 minutes or until the edges are slightly browned, and a toothpick inserted into a cupcake comes out clean. Set the cupcakes aside to cool completely before decorating.
• Creating the Frosting: In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cream these ingredients until smooth.
• Sweetening It Up: Add in the powdered sugar and mix well. Then, add in 2 tablespoons of milk and the vanilla extract. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds and then switch to medium speed for about a minute. Stop the machine, scrape down the sides, and mix again. If the frosting appears too lumpy and dry, add another tablespoon of milk only if needed. Mix again.
• Decorate with Love: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe a mound of frosting on each cupcake.
• Final Touch: Decorate with a slice of apple if desired and sprinkle a bit of cinnamon for that extra flavor and charm. Your Apple Cider Cupcakes are ready to enjoy!