These Christmas Tree Cupcakes are a delightful way to bring festive cheer to your holiday table. Moist cupcakes are topped with creamy frosting and decorated to resemble miniature Christmas trees. Theyโre as fun to make as they are to eat, making them a perfect activity for family gatherings.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Fun: These cupcakes are visually stunning and perfect for the holiday season.
- Customizable: Change up the flavors, colors, or decorations to suit your style.
- Kid-Friendly: A wonderful activity to get the whole family involved.
- Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe accessible for everyone.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- Green food coloring
- Buttercream frosting
- Decorating supplies: sprinkles, candy stars, or edible pearls
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line a cupcake tin with liners.
- Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients and milk.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes. Allow them to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: While the cupcakes cool, prepare the buttercream frosting and tint it green with food coloring.
- Decorate: Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to swirl frosting into a tree shape on each cupcake. Add decorations like sprinkles, candy stars, or pearls.
- Serve and Enjoy: Display your cupcakes and watch them disappear quickly!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 12 cupcakes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Flavor the Cupcakes: Add peppermint or almond extract for a holiday twist.
- Different Colors: Use white or blue frosting for a snowy tree effect.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter substitutes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze undecorated cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw them, then frost and decorate before serving.
- Reheating: Let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and decorate them the next day.
2. How do I get vibrant green frosting?
Use gel food coloring for a more intense color without altering the frostingโs texture.
3. Can I use store-bought frosting?
Absolutely, but homemade frosting typically tastes fresher and is easier to color.
4. What piping tip should I use for the tree shape?
A star tip, like Wiltonโs 1M or 2D, works best for creating tree-like swirls.
5. Can I make mini cupcakes instead?
Yes, just adjust the baking time to 10-12 minutes for mini cupcakes.
6. Are there alternatives to candy decorations?
Yes, use shredded coconut or colored sugar for unique textures.
7. Whatโs the best way to prevent cupcake liners from sticking?
Use high-quality liners and lightly spray them with cooking spray.
8. Can I make these without food coloring?
Yes, leave the frosting white or use natural colorings like matcha powder.
9. How do I avoid overbaking the cupcakes?
Check them with a toothpick at the minimum bake time; it should come out clean.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients but keep the baking time the same.
Conclusion
Christmas Tree Cupcakes are a show-stopping dessert that will delight your family and guests. Theyโre fun, festive, and versatile enough to suit any holiday gathering. Whether you make them with kids or enjoy crafting them solo, these cupcakes are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition.
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Christmas Tree Cupcakes
Description
These charming Christmas Tree Cupcakes feature rich chocolate bases adorned with green vanilla buttercream, crafted to resemble festive holiday trees. Theyโre perfect for holiday gatherings and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
For Decoration:
- Assorted sprinkles (to mimic ornaments)
- Edible stars for tree toppers
- Optional: powdered sugar for a snowy effect
Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in the hot coffee until the batter is smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and pale, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated.
- Add the milk or heavy cream and vanilla extract, then increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add green gel food coloring a little at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, until the desired shade of green is achieved.
- Assemble and Decorate:
- Transfer the green buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (such as Wilton 2D or 1M).
- Starting at the center of each cupcake, pipe the frosting in a circular motion, building upward to create a tree shape.
- Decorate the frosted โtreesโ with assorted sprinkles to resemble ornaments and place an edible star on top of each tree.
- For a snowy effect, lightly dust the cupcakes with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- Using gel food coloring is recommended to achieve a vibrant green without altering the frostingโs consistency.
- Store the decorated cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
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