Prepare the Cupcakes

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix.
5. Alternate Adding Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
6. Fill the Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake: Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

1. Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition.
3. Add the Vanilla and Cream: Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat on high for 3-4 minutes, until the frosting is light and fluffy.
4. Divide and Color the Frosting: Divide the frosting into five bowls, adding food coloring to each. Use red, green, yellow, blue, and orange to create your Christmas lights.

Assemble the Cupcakes

1. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, frost each one with a generous amount of colored frosting, using a small spatula or a piping bag with a wide tip.
2. Create the Light Wires: Cut the black licorice into 12 equal pieces. Using a pair of scissors or a knife, create a string of licorice on each cupcake, arranging it in a “U” or zigzag shape to mimic a string of Christmas lights.
3. Add the Candy Lights: Place five candy-coated chocolates on each cupcake along the licorice string to mimic Christmas lights. Space them evenly for a neat effect.
4. Optional: Sprinkle the cupcakes with edible glitter for a bit of extra holiday sparkle.