Milkshake mice cupcakes

For the cupcakes:

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Weigh the butter into a mixing bowl (make sure the butter is very soft). It really is important for the butter to be super soft. My little boy isn't keen on my noisy hand held whisk so I wanted to avoid using it. We used an old fashioned wooden spoon instead; however, this does rely on the butter being lovely and soft!

Tip the sugar into the bowl and mix it into butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. Children may lose concentration at this point as it will take a minute or two, so be prepared to help out with this part!

Weigh in the flour then turn your attention to the eggs. It is a good idea to get your child to crack the eggs into a separate bowl before adding to the rest of the ingredients!

Grab a little bowl or cup and measure in the milk and milkshake powder and ask your child to mix to combine. It may look a little lumpy and unattractive but don't be put off, carry on and pour it into the mixing bowl.

Help your little one give the mixture a good mix and wait until it is smooth before asking them to add dollops to the paper cases. This will no doubt be a messy business, but never mind if a bit of mixture drizzles down the side of the cases. Your child won't care!

Place the cakes into the oven and leave them to cook for 20 to 25 minutes. They should be nicely risen and golden in colour. Do not expect the cakes to be pink; leave that to the icing! Leave the cakes to cool.