Spicy Christmas cupcakes

Step 1

To make Christmas decorations; on a surface dusted with sifted sugar, knead icing until smooth; roll out until 1cm thick. Cut out shapes using cutters. Insert a length of damp wire into each shape. Stand overnight on tray lined with baking paper to dry.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a 12-hole (⅓-cup/80ml) muffin pan with paper cases.

Step 3

Beat butter, egg, buttermilk, syrup, sugar and sifted dry ingredients in a small bowl with an electric mixer on low speed until combined. Increase speed to medium; beat until mixture is smooth and has changed to a paler colour. Divide mixture into paper cases; smooth surface.

Step 4

Bake about 25 minutes. Stand cakes in pan 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack.

Step 5

Meanwhile, make fruit mince filling; warm fruit mince in a small saucepan over low heat; stir in sugar.

Step 6

Cut a 2cm deep hole in the centre of each warm cake; discard cake rounds. Fill centres with fruit mince filling, push in decorations; dust with a little sifted icing sugar, if you like.