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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
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.
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.
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.
Color the Frosting: Add green food coloring a few drops at a time, mixing thoroughly until you achieve your desired tree-green shade.
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.
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