Easy Valentine's Day Cupcakes

Now that you've picked the flavors, let's get to the fun stuff: Decorating! Try mixing different cupcake liners or wrappers with different colored sprinkles or various toppers!

If you're using store bought icing and you're coloring it, make sure you mix all the icing at once to get a uniform color. So, for example, if you're planning to use two or three tubs of icing, scoop all the icing into a single bowl before mixing in the color.

Sprinkles are enough, especially when you're in a hurry, but the cupcake picks and toppers featured below help to make the little cakes extra festive! To try something different: after icing the cupcake, roll just the edges of the icing in sprinkles to create a nice border for a Valentine's topper!

Cupcake stands are great for parties or large gatherings! A great display can be made by placing a stand for 23 standard size cupcakes in the center of a table, then placing 2 stands for mini cupcakes of either side. Then you can add extra treats (or more cupcakes) on plates in front of or on the sides of the stands.

One of my favorite "easy cupcakes" decorating tools is the Star Decorating Tip included in the Wilton Master Tip Set (above). If you ice the cupcakes with a star tip, they'll instantly look professional! It's a quick and easy technique, but it may use a little extra icing than spreading it on with a spatula if you want height to the icing, so make sure to have extra icing on hand!