Orange Blossom Cupcakes (Print Version)

Fragrant cupcakes infused with orange blossom water and topped with light citrus frosting—ideal for spring gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cupcakes

01 - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tsp baking powder
03 - ¼ tsp baking soda
04 - ¼ tsp salt
05 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
09 - 2 tbsp orange blossom water
10 - Zest of 1 orange
11 - ½ cup whole milk

→ Frosting

12 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 1 tbsp orange blossom water
15 - 1 tbsp orange juice
16 - Pinch of salt
17 - Optional: Orange zest, edible flowers for garnish

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
03 - Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla, orange blossom water, and orange zest.
05 - Add half the flour mixture, then the milk, then remaining flour, mixing until just combined.
06 - Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling about ⅔ full.
07 - Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a rack.
08 - Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, orange blossom water, orange juice, and salt. Beat until fluffy for 2–3 minutes.
09 - Frost cooled cupcakes and garnish with orange zest or edible flowers if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The floral perfume fills your entire kitchen while they bake, making even a gray afternoon feel like spring
  • That light, tender crumb dissolves on your tongue while the orange blossom lingers like a secret
02 -
  • Overmixing once the flour hits the bowl makes tough, dense cupcakes every single time
  • Orange blossom water varies wildly by brand, taste your frosting before you commit to the full amount
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients combine better and give you that bakery texture
  • Grate your zest before you juice the orange, it's impossible the other way around

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