If you have ever wanted to impress friends and family with a dessert that looks as breathtaking as it tastes, this Rose Cupcakes Recipe is your perfect go-to. These cupcakes combine delicate floral charm with a luscious, buttery crumb and that irresistibly smooth pink frosting that tastes as dreamy as it looks. Whether it’s a special celebration or just a sweet treat to brighten your afternoon, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Rose Cupcakes Recipe lies in a handful of classic ingredients that are simple yet essential. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect cupcake texture, rich flavor, and that beautiful blush of frosting you’ll fall in love with.
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for light, fluffy cupcakes.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a tender crumb.
- 3/4 cup salted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and moisture to the cupcakes.
- 3 eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cupcake’s lift.
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, inviting aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1 pound unsalted butter (for frosting): The foundation of the silky, buttery frosting that shapes your roses.
- 8 cups confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to pipe smooth designs.
- Pink food coloring: Transforms your frosting into the perfect rose hue, adding visual magic.
How to Make Rose Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners. This setup ensures even baking and makes clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder. This blend forms the cupcake’s base and ensures even rising and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Dry Mix
Using a stand mixer, beat the room-temperature salted butter until creamy. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter, beating continuously until the mixture is light and fluffy, which is key to tender cupcakes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then pour in the vanilla extract to give your cupcakes that sweet, fragrant note everyone loves.
Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream and Milk
In a separate bowl, combine sour cream and milk, then gently fold this into the batter. This addition ensures the cupcakes stay moist and tender.
Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes
Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This timing guarantees a perfect texture without overbaking.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let your cupcakes cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting—this step prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
Step 8: Make the Pink Buttercream Frosting
Beat the unsalted butter in a stand mixer until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and a splash of cream, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and creamy. Mix in pink food coloring until your desired shade is reached.
Step 9: Pipe the Rose Designs
Fill a piping bag fitted with a rose tip nozzle with your pink frosting. Pipe elegant rose shapes on the tops of each cupcake, creating a stunning presentation that’s almost too pretty to eat.
How to Serve Rose Cupcakes Recipe

Garnishes
While the beautiful pink rose frosting steals the show, you can elevate these cupcakes with subtle garnishes like edible gold dust, fresh rose petals, or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios for a little crunch and contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair your Rose Cupcakes Recipe with a light, floral tea such as jasmine or chamomile for an afternoon treat. Alternatively, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream beside each cupcake makes for a fabulous dessert duo.
Creative Ways to Present
Display these cupcakes on a tiered cake stand for a charming, classic look at parties and showers. For an extra touch of elegance, place each cupcake in a delicate paper doily or wrap a ribbon around the base of each liner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Rose Cupcakes Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent the frosting color from fading.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely at room temperature and frost fresh for best results.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cupcakes warm, gently microwave a cupcake (without frosting) for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid heating the frosting to keep its texture and appearance intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different food coloring for the frosting?
Absolutely! While pink fits the Rose Cupcakes Recipe perfectly, you can experiment with red for a bolder rose or even a soft peach for a unique twist. Just be mindful not to overdo it to keep the frosting smooth.
Is there an alternative to sour cream in the batter?
Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk. These options will still add the lovely moisture and tender crumb essential to the cupcakes.
How long does the frosting take to set?
The buttercream frosting will set in about 30 minutes at room temperature, making it easier to transport or serve later without smudging the rose patterns.
Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Certainly! A hand mixer works well for both the batter and frosting; just be sure to beat thoroughly to achieve that light, fluffy texture crucial for this Rose Cupcakes Recipe.
Are these cupcakes suitable for kids’ parties?
Definitely. The fun pink rose design and delicious flavor make these cupcakes a hit with kids and adults alike. They bring both whimsy and elegance to any celebration.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking cupcakes that look as charming as a bouquet of roses. This Rose Cupcakes Recipe is a delightful way to bring a touch of sweetness and beauty to your kitchen and your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these little floral delights with your favorite people!
Print
Rose Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delightful Rose Cupcakes feature a moist vanilla-flavored base topped with a luscious pink buttercream frosting, elegantly piped into beautiful rose designs. Perfect for celebrations or a charming dessert treat, this recipe yields approximately 12 cupcakes with a tender crumb and sweet floral aesthetic.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup salted butter, room temperature
- 3 eggs
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
Frosting
- 1 pound unsalted butter, room temperature
- 8 cups confectioners’ sugar
- Pink food coloring, as needed
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Dry Ingredients: Using a stand mixer, cream the 3/4 cup salted butter until smooth. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter, mixing until the batter is fluffy and well incorporated.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract; continue mixing until the batter is smooth.
- Incorporate Sour Cream and Milk: In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and milk, then add this mixture to the batter, blending everything until smooth and creamy.
- Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cupcakes: Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the unsalted butter in a large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, alternating with heavy cream or milk, mixing thoroughly to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Tint the frosting with pink food coloring until the desired shade is reached.
- Pipe Rose Designs: Transfer the pink buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a rose petal tip. Carefully pipe rose shapes onto each cooled cupcake to create an elegant floral finish.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results and a tender crumb.
- The baking soda and baking powder combination helps the cupcakes rise and stay fluffy.
- Use a stand mixer for easier and more consistent batter mixing.
- Adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of pink.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and sour cream with suitable plant-based alternatives.
