Red Velvet Cupcakes Updated: Jan 8, 2010 06:37 AM EST Cupcake Ingredients: * 1/2 cup butter * 1 1/2 cups sugar * 2 eggs * 2 tablespoons cocoa powder * 1 tablespoon cinnamon * 1 1/2 oz red food coloring * 1 teaspoon salt * 2 1/2 cups flour * 1 1/4 teaspoon vanilla * 1 cup buttermilk * 1 teaspoon soda Frosting Ingredients: * 16 oz. cream cheese (2 packages), softened * 1/2 cup unsalted butter (one stick), softened * 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla * 2 3/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted * pinch of salt Cake Prep: Cream butter; beat in sugar gradually. Add eggs, one at a time; beat well after each addition. Make paste of cinnamon, cocoa and food coloring; add to creamed mixture. Add salt, flour, soda and vanilla alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Scoop into cupcake trays. Makes 24. Frosting Prep: With an electric mixer, blend together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Turn mixer to low speed and blend in powdered sugar, salt and vanilla extract. Turn mixer on high and beat until light and fluffy. Use immediately or refrigerate, covered, until ready to use. If refrigerated, let it set until room temp. After frosting softens up, beat with mixer until smooth.