Cupcake Ornaments

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line three 12-holed mini-muffin tins with baking cups, and set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, then the vanilla and almond extracts.

With mixer on low speed, add one-third of the reserved flour mixture, and mix until combined. Add 1/4 cup buttermilk; combine. Add another third of flour mixture, then the remaining 1/4 cup buttermilk. Add the last third of flour, and mix until smooth.

Transfer batter to a pastry bag fitted with a coupler. Fill each baking cup three-quarters full. Using an offset spatula, carefully smooth the tops. Bake until a cake tester inserted into the middles comes out clean, about 18 minutes. Transfer muffin tins to a wire rack to cool. Remove cupcakes from tins.

Place 1 cup confectioners' sugar in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Remove pan from heat; immediately pour butter into bowl with sugar. Add 4 teaspoons milk; whisk until smooth. Working quickly, dip the top of each cupcake into glaze, and place cupcake right-side up on wire rack.

Repeat step one; glaze remaining cupcakes.

Allow glaze to set, about 20 minutes. Using a pastry bag fitted with a plain writing tip and filled with royal icing, decorate.