Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of citrusy lemon and fragrant rosemary and thyme gives these cupcakes an aromatic twist, setting them apart from typical lemon desserts. The lemon mascarpone frosting adds a creamy, smooth layer that perfectly complements the herby flavors in the cupcakes. It’s a quick recipe, too, making it easy to whip up a batch of 24 cupcakes in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 2 1/4 cups sugar

• 2 sticks butter (softened or microwaved for 10 seconds)

• 3 eggs

• 1 egg white

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup whole milk

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme

• Zest from 1 lemon

• Juice from 2 lemons

For the Icing:

• 2 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese

• 1 cup lemon curd

• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme

• 4 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary

Instructions

For the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.

3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next.

5. Mix the wet ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the milk, vanilla extract, chopped rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest.

6. Alternate adding wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture and the milk mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, starting with 1/3 of each and alternating between wet and dry ingredients.

7. Add lemon juice: Mix in the fresh lemon juice until well combined.

8. Fill the cupcake tins: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake tins, filling each about 3/4 full.

9. Bake: Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the cupcakes spring back when touched.

10. Cool: Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

For the Icing:

1. Prepare the frosting: In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat together the mascarpone cheese, lemon curd, chopped thyme, and rosemary until smooth and well combined.

2. Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the icing onto each cupcake.

Serve and Enjoy:

• Optionally, garnish the cupcakes with a small sprig of rosemary or additional lemon zest for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cupcakes

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Tips and Notes

• Creaming the butter and sugar: This step is crucial for light, fluffy cupcakes. Be sure to cream them together until the mixture is pale and fluffy to incorporate air.

• Herb preparation: Mince the rosemary and thyme finely so they blend seamlessly into both the cupcakes and the frosting.

• Testing for doneness: After baking for 20 minutes, test the cupcakes by gently pressing on them. They should spring back, and a toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Variations

• Lemon Curd Swirl: Add a dollop of lemon curd in the center of each cupcake before baking for an extra lemony surprise.

• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, egg replacers, and dairy-free mascarpone to make these cupcakes vegan-friendly.

• Additional Flavoring: For a twist, try adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to the batter for extra sweetness.

Storage

• Fridge: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: These cupcakes freeze well! Simply store them in a sealed container or bag in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Conclusion

These Lemon, Thyme, and Rosemary Cupcakes are a perfect blend of citrusy sweetness and herby freshness, topped with a creamy lemon mascarpone frosting. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a special treat, these cupcakes are sure to delight with their delicate balance of flavors. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, they’re sure to become a favorite!

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