Red Velvet Cupcakes

McCormick Red Velvet Cupcakes (taken from family circle magazine nov 09)

2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp slat
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 bottle (1 ounce) Red Food Color
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
vanilla cream cheese frosting (directions to follow)


Mix flour ,cocoa, baking soda, and salt.set aside. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed 5 minutes or until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs., 1 at a time. Mix sour cream , milk food color, and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed just until blended. Spoon batter into paper-lined muffin cups, filling each cup 2/3 full. BAKE in preheated oven 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Cool in pans 5 minutes. Remove from pans ; cool completely. spread with frosting... makes 30 cupcakes

Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat 1 package (8ounce) softened cream cheese, 4 tbsp softened butter, 2 tbsp sour cream and 2 tsp pure vanilla extract in large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in 1 box(16 ounces) confectioners' sugar on medium speed until smooth.