Making the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine unsalted butter, cane sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until you achieve a creamy mixture.
3. In a separate bowl, measure out all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt.
4. Sift the dry ingredients into the butter mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
5. Add 2% milk to the mixture and blend until completely combined.
6. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
7. Fill two cupcake tins lined with paper liners.
8. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting them.

*Optional step:* Once the cupcakes are cool, you can cut off the tops to make them even, helping them resemble a milkshake (this step is not required).

Making the Frosting:

1. Prepare the frostings separately for easier decorating.
2. Begin by placing butter in a mixer and whipping it until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and blend until fully mixed.
3. Add mint extract and food coloring (the more drops you add, the darker the color), then incorporate heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
4. For the second frosting, repeat the process: whip the butter smooth, add sugar slowly, then add vanilla extract. Incorporate heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Frosting and Decorating:

Decorating is my favorite part, and it’s a great opportunity for kids to help. Remember, these cupcakes are meant to look like milkshakes, so perfection is not the goal—have fun with it!

1. Spread a thin layer of green frosting on all the cupcakes using a knife or spoon.
2. Arrange chocolate chips around the outer edge of each cupcake, using about five chips per cupcake. You can use regular chocolate chips, mini chips, chopped chocolate pieces, or even chocolate shavings (if kids are helping, have a big bowl nearby; otherwise, most of the chocolate might end up in their tummies).
3. Use a piping bag with a 1M star tip to pipe on the white frosting. Aim for a smaller, slightly offset swirl to create the milkshake effect.
4. Stick rolled wafers into one side of each cupcake.
5. Just before serving, place cherries on top.

Enjoy your delicious milkshake-inspired cupcakes!