New Style of doing cupcakes

I decided not to use my normal way to design cupcakes today. Abandoning icing and fondant, I decided to use frosting made of cream cheese or shortening.

Sesame Street characters

Frosting:

1 cup shortening

1 lb. powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

3-6 Tablespoons milk

* Can remember where I found the above recipe . However, I won't recommend it. Tastes weird.
 

Cookie n Cream, Coffee & Green Tea cupcakes

 

Green Tea Cream Cheese Frosting:

12 ounces or 1-1/2 packages of Philly cream cheese

1/2 stick butter

4 cups sifted powdered sugar

1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder

1 teaspoon vanilla


Method:

1. Bring cheese and butter to room temperature by letting it sit out for 1 or 2 hours

2. Sift powdered sugar into a bowl or onto parchment

3. Beat butter and cheese at medium speed until creamy

4. Add half of the sugar, the green tea powder, and the vanilla. Beat until combined.

5. Gradually add remaining sugar (more if you have to) until you get to the consistency and sweetness you like.

 

Coffee Frosting:

(From Martha Stewart:Cupcakes)

• 120 g (1/2 cup) butter, room temperature

• 160 g (1 1/2 cups) icing sugar, sifted

• 15 ml (1 tablespoon) instant coffee

• 10 ml (2 teaspoons) pure vanilla extract


Method:
• Beat butter and instant coffee at medium speed about 2 minutes.

• Reduce speed and add the icing sugar 60 g (1/2 cup) at a time.

• Beating well after each addition.

• Add vanilla, beat well.

• If not using immediately, frosting can be refrigerated up to 10 days in a airtight container. Before using, bring to room temperature.


* Oh dear, I don't know where I found the above 2 recipes from.
* Cookie and Cream frosting recipe was made up by me. I just replaced green tea with powdered cookie and cream biscuits.