MINI LEMON CUPCAKES RECIPES

Steps:

• Make the cupcakes: Heat oven to 350° F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
• Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high until fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then the  vanilla, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
• Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the flour mixture in 3 additions and the milk in 2 additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined (do not overmix).
• Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to rack(s) to cool completely.
• Make the frosting: Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in the lemon zest, juice, and salt. Frost the cupcakes.

Steps:

• In a small bowl, beat 3 ounces cream cheese, 1/2 cup butter and lemon zest until blended. Gradually add flour, mix well. Refrigerate, covered, 1 hour or until firm., Preheat oven to 325°. Shape dough into 1-in. balls; press onto the bottom and up sides of 24 ungreased mini muffin cups., For filling, in a small bowl, beat 1/2 cup sugar and remaining cream cheese until smooth. Beat in 1 teaspoon lemon juice and vanilla. Add egg; beat on low speed just until blended. Fill cups half full with cream cheese mixture. Bake 18-22 minutes or until set. Carefully run a knife around tarts to loosen from pan. Cool in pans on wire racks., Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine cornstarch and remaining sugar; whisk in water. Bring to boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; gently stir in food coloring and remaining lemon juice and butter. Cool to room temperature., Remove cooled tarts from pans. Spoon on topping; top with raspberries. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.