Dreamy Coconut Cupcakes

Ingredients

3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

2 cups sugar

5 extra-large eggs at room temperature

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 teaspoons pure coconut extract

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup coconut milk

14 ounces sweetened, shredded coconut for batter and decorations

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla and coconut extract and mix well.

3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In 3 parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the coconut milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined. Fold in 1 cup of coconut.

4. Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each liner 3/4 full with batter. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the tops are light brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove to a baking rack and cool completely.

5. Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with the remaining coconut. Great with our cream cheese frosting.

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