Cupid’s Arrow Cupcakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cupcakes bring together rich chocolate flavor, creamy pink frosting, and playful decorations that make everyone smile. The batter is easy to whip up, and the hot water trick makes the cocoa flavor really shine. They’re festive, flavorful, and so much fun to decorate—especially with kids or for a themed celebration.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup milk

• ¼ cup vegetable oil

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup hot water

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 1½ cups powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• A few drops pink food coloring

For Decoration:

• 6 pretzel sticks, cut in half (12 pieces total)

• Heart-shaped sprinkles or small paper hearts

Directions

1. Mix the dry ingredients:
   In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2. Add wet ingredients:
   I stir in the milk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.

3. Stir in hot water:
   I carefully add the hot water and mix slowly until the batter is fully combined. It’ll be thin—that’s normal.

4. Fill and bake:
   I line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners, fill each one about ⅔ full, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

5. Cool the cupcakes:
   I let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

6. Make the frosting:
   I beat the softened butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar. I mix in the milk, vanilla, and a few drops of pink food coloring until smooth and creamy.

7. Frost the cupcakes:
   I scoop the frosting into a piping bag (or ziplock bag with the corner snipped) and pipe swirls onto each cupcake.

8. Decorate with Cupid’s arrows:
   I press one half of a pretzel stick into each side of the cupcake to look like an arrow going through it. Then I top each one with a heart sprinkle or mini paper heart.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 cupcakes and takes about 33 minutes total: 15 minutes to prep, 18 minutes to bake. Perfect for last-minute Valentine’s treats or a sweet surprise any time.

Variations

When I want to change things up, I use strawberry or cream cheese frosting instead of vanilla. I’ve also made mini versions in a mini muffin pan for bite-sized party treats. Sometimes I swap the heart sprinkles with mini chocolate hearts or use different colors of frosting for a rainbow effect.

Storage/reheating

I store these cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. I let them come back to room temperature before serving. I don’t freeze decorated cupcakes, but the unfrosted cupcakes freeze beautifully—just thaw and frost when ready.

FAQs

Can I use a cake mix instead?

Yes! I’ve used a boxed chocolate cake mix in a pinch. I just prepare it according to the box instructions, then decorate as described.

Do I need a piping bag?

Nope. I use a ziplock bag with the corner snipped if I don’t have a piping bag—it works just as well for these cute swirls.

Can I use a different color for the frosting?

Totally. Pink is classic for Valentine’s Day, but red, white, or even purple all look great and still fit the theme.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Just double all ingredients and use two 12-cup muffin pans to make 24 cupcakes.

What if I don’t have pretzel sticks?

I’ve used paper straws or toothpicks decorated with hearts when I don’t have pretzels. Just make sure whatever you use is food-safe and clean.

Conclusion

Cupid’s Arrow Cupcakes are one of my favorite ways to bake something fun, festive, and full of love. They’re easy enough for beginners but look like they came straight from a bakery. Whether I’m making them for a Valentine’s party, a school treat, or just to brighten someone’s day, they always hit the mark.

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