Root Beer Float Cupcakes

Steps

• 1

  Heat oven to 350°F. Stand ice cream cones in muffin pans. In medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt; set aside.
• 2

  In large bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium speed 30 seconds. Gradually add granulated sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping bowl occasionally. Beat 2 minutes longer. Add whole eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla. On low speed, alternately add flour mixture, about one-third a time, and 2/3 cup root beer, about half at a time, beating just until blended.
• 3

  Divide batter evenly among ice cream cones, filling each with scant 1/4 cup batter.
• 4

  Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cupcake comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes. Remove cones from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• 5

  In heavy 3-quart saucepan, mix all frosting ingredients except vanilla. Beat with electric mixer on high speed 1 minute, scraping pan constantly. Place over low heat. Beat on high speed about 10 minutes or until stiff peaks form; remove from heat. Add vanilla. Beat on high speed 2 minutes or until fluffy.
• 6

  Frost cupcakes; decorate with root beer candies. Cut about 4 inches off bottom of each straw; discard. Poke 2 straws into each cupcake.