Christmas Tree Cupcake Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas Tree Cupcakes are a festive and delicious treat perfect for holiday celebrations. With rich cocoa cupcakes topped with creamy green frosting shaped like Christmas trees, they’re sure to delight both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green food coloring
• Rainbow sprinkles or candy ornaments
• Yellow star sprinkles or candies

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
4. Step 4: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
5. Step 5: Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
6. Step 6: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
7. Step 7: Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
8. Step 8: Add green food coloring a few drops at a time until you reach a vibrant tree-green color.
9. Step 9: Transfer the green frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip for easy decorating.
10. Step 10: Starting at the center of each cooled cupcake, pipe the frosting upward in a swirling motion to create a Christmas tree shape.
11. Step 11: Decorate each frosted cupcake with rainbow sprinkles as ornaments and place a yellow star sprinkle or candy on top.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer cupcake, substitute milk with buttermilk or add a tablespoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• If you don’t have a star piping tip, use a small round tip or simply spread the frosting in a cone shape with a spatula.
• Try adding crushed peppermint candy for a festive twist on the frosting decoration.

Storage

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature before serving for the best texture. If refrigerated, allow frosting to soften slightly before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure to check that your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting?

Keep the cupcakes in a cool environment and avoid direct heat or sunlight. If you’re serving them at a warm gathering, consider refrigerating the frosted cupcakes until just before serving.

Christmas Tree Cupcake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 96 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes. Moist chocolate cupcakes are topped with rich, creamy green buttercream frosting piped in a swirling motion to resemble Christmas trees. Decorated with colorful sprinkles as ornaments and a yellow star candy on top, these cupcakes are perfect for holiday parties and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cupcake Batter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• green food coloring, as needed
• rainbow sprinkles or candy ornaments
• yellow star sprinkles or candies

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Mix just until combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cupcakes tender.
4. Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
5. Bake the Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
6. Prepare Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy and smooth using an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes.
7. Add Powdered Sugar and Liquid: Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
8. Color the Frosting: Add green food coloring a few drops at a time, mixing thoroughly until you achieve your desired tree-green shade.
9. Pipe Frosting onto Cupcakes: Transfer the green frosting into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Starting at the center of each cooled cupcake, pipe the frosting upwards in a swirling motion to create a tree shape.
10. Decorate Cupcakes: Embellish the frosted cupcakes with rainbow sprinkles or candy ornaments to mimic Christmas tree decorations and place a yellow star sprinkle or candy at the top to complete the look.

Notes

• Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
• Use gel-based food coloring for more vibrant green frosting without altering the consistency.
• Experiment with different piping tips for varied tree textures.
• Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature before serving for best taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas cupcakes, holiday cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, buttercream frosting, festive desserts, holiday baking