Step 1: Bake the Cupcakes

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners.

2️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3️⃣ In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy (~2 minutes).

4️⃣ Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.

5️⃣ Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined.

6️⃣ Fill cupcake liners ¾ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes.

7️⃣ Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Buttercream Frosting

1️⃣ Beat softened butter until creamy (~2 minutes).

2️⃣ Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.

3️⃣ Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream (1 tbsp at a time).

4️⃣ Mix until smooth and pipeable. Add food coloring if desired.

Step 3: Make the Bow and Arrow Decorations

🏹 For the Arrows:

1️⃣ Break pretzel sticks in half for mini arrows.

2️⃣ Dip one end in melted chocolate, attach a heart-shaped candy/marshmallow.

3️⃣ Cut licorice/fondant into small feather-like pieces, attach to the other end.

🎀 For the Bows:

1️⃣ Shape licorice strips or fondant into small bows.

2️⃣ Secure with edible glue or melted chocolate.

Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes

1️⃣ Pipe buttercream frosting onto cooled cupcakes.

2️⃣ Gently press a pretzel arrow into each cupcake at an angle.

3️⃣ Place an edible bow near the arrow.

4️⃣ Optionally, sprinkle with edible glitter or drizzle with white chocolate.