Easy Christmas Cupcakes

Festive Easy Christmas Cupcakes featuring vanilla base, vibrant green buttercream frosting, and cheerful decorations like candy canes and sprinkles. Perfect for holiday parties, these easy-to-make cupcakes bring a delightful holiday flair to your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy these Christmas cupcakes are to make, whether I use a cake mix or my favorite homemade vanilla cake recipe. The green buttercream and festive decorations make them stand out at any party, and they’re a hit with both kids and adults. The customization options, like adding peppermint extract or swapping out toppings, let me personalize the cupcakes to my taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cupcakes:

1 box vanilla cake mix (or your favorite homemade vanilla cake recipe)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3 large eggs

1 cup water (or as instructed on the cake mix)

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

3 tbsp milk (add more as needed for consistency)

Green gel food coloring

For Decorating:

Mini candy canes

Red and green sprinkles

Edible snowflake decorations or fondant snowflakes

Powdered sugar (for a snowy effect)

Mini gingerbread cookies (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Cupcakes:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with festive cupcake liners.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, water, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Make the Buttercream Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.

Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed.

Add vanilla extract and milk, then beat until the frosting is fluffy. Adjust the milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Mix in green gel food coloring until the frosting reaches a vibrant Christmas green.

Frost and Decorate:

Use a piping bag with a star tip to swirl the green frosting onto each cupcake.

Sprinkle red and green sprinkles over the frosting.

Top with mini candy canes, edible snowflakes, or mini gingerbread cookies.

Dust powdered sugar lightly on top for a snowy effect.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 cupcakes

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Peppermint Frosting: Add a small amount of peppermint extract to the buttercream for a festive minty flavor.

Color Variations: Alternate between green and red frosting or swirl the two colors together for a fun look.

Flavor Enhancements: Substitute almond or coconut extract for vanilla in the cake batter for a unique twist.

Decorative Options: Use crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, or even marshmallows for decoration.

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix to accommodate dietary needs.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate the cupcakes for up to a week. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before decorating.

Related Recipes:

• Christmas & Cream Spread
• Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
• Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container. Frost and decorate them just before serving for the freshest look.

What if I don’t have green food coloring?

You can use natural green food coloring from spinach or matcha powder, or skip the coloring altogether for a snowy white buttercream look.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Absolutely! If I’m short on time, store-bought frosting works well. I like to add a few drops of vanilla extract for a homemade touch.

How can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free butter alternative for the frosting and ensure your cake mix or recipe is free from dairy. Almond milk or coconut milk works well as a substitute for regular milk in the frosting.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, doubling the recipe is easy. Just ensure you have enough cupcake liners, and adjust baking times slightly if baking in larger batches.

Conclusion

These easy Christmas cupcakes are the perfect treat to bring holiday cheer to any celebration. With their festive decorations and customizable flavors, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and delightful to eat. I hope you enjoy baking (and eating!) these joyful treats as much as I do. Happy holidays.

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