Christmas Cupcakes

Christmas cupcakes are the ultimate way to spread holiday cheer, one bite at a time. These fluffy vanilla cupcakes topped with rich buttercream can be decorated five festive ways—from melting snowmen to mini Christmas trees. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, cookie exchange, or just getting in the spirit, this recipe brings sweet magic to your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🎅 Five Festive Designs – Snowmen, wreaths, Santa hats, trees, and poinsettias
• 🧁 Light & Fluffy Vanilla Base – Perfect cupcake texture every time
• 🧈 Rich Buttercream Frosting – Easy to color and pipe for creative designs
• 🧑‍🍳 Beginner-Friendly – Simple steps with pro tips for decorating
• 🎉 Party-Ready – Makes 18 cupcakes for a crowd or gift boxes

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cupcakes

• 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 egg whites
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Buttercream Frosting

• 2 lbs powdered sugar
• 1 lb unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp whole milk
• Pinch of salt
• Red, green, orange food coloring
• Marshmallows
• Gold and rainbow sugar pearls
• Black candy melts or black buttercream

Instructions

1. Make the Cupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with papers.
2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites, vanilla, sour cream, milk, and melted butter until combined.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Mix until just incorporated.
5. Fill cupcake liners ⅔ full and bake 15–20 minutes, or until tops are springy.
6. Cool completely before frosting.

2. Make the Buttercream

1. In a stand mixer, cream butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar in batches, mixing in between.
3. Add vanilla, cream, milk, and salt. Mix until fluffy and smooth.
4. Divide into bowls and tint with desired food colors (leave some white).

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 18 cupcakes

Nutrition Facts (Per Cupcake)

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 23g
• Sugar: 34g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 46g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary.

Tips & Variations

• ❄️ Crushed Candy Canes: Fold into batter for peppermint flavor.
• 🍥 Swiss Buttercream Option: For a less sweet frosting.
• 🎨 Practice First: Test piping tips on parchment before decorating.
• 🧁 Freezing: Undecorated cupcakes freeze well for up to 1 month.
• 🍰 Cake Variation: Batter works for a 9” cake (double recipe).

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! Store cupcakes (unfrosted) in an airtight container for 2–3 days or freeze for longer storage.

What’s the best buttercream for decorating?
American buttercream is great for color and structure. Swiss or Italian buttercream is lighter but trickier to work with.

How do I store decorated cupcakes?
Keep in a cool area or fridge if warm. Let them come to room temp before serving.

Can kids help decorate?
Absolutely! Santa hats and wreaths are especially fun and easy for kids to try.

Christmas Cupcakes

Soft vanilla cupcakes topped with colorful buttercream and decorated five festive ways: wreath, poinsettia, snowman, Christmas tree, and Santa hat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 18

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• – Mixer
• Mixing bowls
• – Cupcake pan
• – Piping tips (leaf, star, round, petal)

Ingredients

  

• **For the Cupcakes**
• – 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• – 1 cup sugar
• – 1 tsp baking powder
• – ¼ tsp baking soda
• – ¼ tsp salt
• – ¾ cup butter room temp
• – 3 egg whites
• – 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• – ½ cup sour cream
• – ½ cup whole milk
• **For the Buttercream**
• – 2 lbs powdered sugar
• – 1 lb butter
• – 1 tsp vanilla
• – 1 tbsp heavy cream
• – 1 tsp milk
• – Pinch of salt
• – Food coloring: red green, orange
• – Marshmallows sugar pearls, black candy melts

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cupcake pan.
• Whisk dry ingredients in one bowl.
• Whisk wet ingredients in another.
• Combine both until just mixed.
• Fill liners ⅔ full and bake 15–20 mins. Cool completely.
• Make buttercream by creaming butter, adding sugar, then liquids.
• Divide frosting and color. Transfer to piping bags.
• Decorate each cupcake with one of five designs.

Notes

– Add crushed candy canes for flavor
– Store frosted cupcakes in fridge
– Use parchment to practice piping

Keyword christmas cupcakes

Conclusion

Christmas cupcakes are the perfect way to sweeten your season! Whether you try all five decorations or stick with one favorite, these cupcakes will wow your guests and bring big holiday smiles. Add them to your baking list—you’ll be glad you did.