Christmas Cupcakes

Christmas cupcakes are a cheerful way to celebrate the season—with fluffy vanilla cake, creamy buttercream, and dazzling decorations like wreaths and Christmas trees. Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap, classroom party, or just getting into the spirit, these cupcakes are sure to impress and bring a little sparkle to your dessert table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🎨 Decorate Like a Pro – Simple wreath and tree designs, no experience needed
• 🧁 Fluffy Vanilla Cupcake Base – Light, moist, and not overly sweet
• 🍥 Smooth Vanilla Buttercream – Pipes like a dream and holds shape beautifully
• 👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly & Festive – Great for family baking and decorating
• 🎉 Customizable – Switch up sprinkles or colors to make them your own

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cupcakes

• 1¾ cups cake flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup salted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ⅓ cup full-fat sour cream
• ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup whole milk

For the Vanilla Buttercream

• 1 cup salted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

For Decorating

• Green food coloring (natural or gel)
• Assorted holiday sprinkles
• Pretzel sticks (tree trunks)
• Optional: piping tips #199, #18, #3 or ziplock bag

Instructions

1. Make the Cupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with 16 cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add butter and mix on medium-low for 2–3 minutes until crumbly.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sour cream, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Add egg mixture to the dry mix and beat briefly. Slowly mix in milk until just combined.
6. Fill liners just over halfway and bake for 14–16 minutes. Cool completely.

2. Make the Buttercream

1. Beat butter on medium speed until fluffy (2–3 minutes).
2. Add powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla. Mix on low until combined, then beat on medium-high until smooth.
3. Divide buttercream: leave ⅓ white, color ⅔ with green food coloring.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 1 hour (includes decorating)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 16 cupcakes

Nutrition Facts (Per Cupcake)

• Calories: ~320
• Fat: 18g
• Sugar: 30g
• Carbs: 40g
• Protein: 2g

Estimates may vary depending on toppings.

Tips & Variations

• 🎄 Practice Piping First: Use parchment paper to try wreaths and trees before frosting cupcakes
• ❄️ No Piping Tips? Snip a ziplock bag for DIY decorating
• 🌱 Natural Food Coloring: Use brands like Color Garden if you want plant-based dyes
• 🎁 Make Ahead: Unfrosted cupcakes can be stored up to 3 days at room temp

FAQs

Can I use boxed cake mix?
Yes! Feel free to use a vanilla or white cake mix if you’re short on time.

What’s the best food coloring for a rich green?
Gel-based coloring like Wilton offers bold color without thinning the buttercream.

Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes. Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

How do I store frosted cupcakes?
In a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before serving.

Conclusion

These Christmas cupcakes are a delightful way to brighten the season—soft, sweet, and beautifully decorated with festive flair. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just having fun with frosting, these treats will become a new holiday tradition.