Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appearance: The Christmas tree design makes these cupcakes a standout addition to any holiday event.
- Fun to Decorate: This recipe offers a great opportunity for creative expression, making it an enjoyable activity for both kids and adults.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of a soft vanilla cupcake with rich, creamy frosting is a classic favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cupcakes:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Milk
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Green food coloring
- Assorted sprinkles for decoration
Directions
- Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- 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 completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add milk as needed to achieve a smooth, pipeable consistency.
- Mix in green food coloring until the desired shade is reached.
- Decorate the Cupcakes:
- Transfer the green frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Starting at the center of each cupcake, pipe the frosting in a circular motion, gradually building upward to create a tree shape.
- Decorate the frosted cupcakes with assorted sprinkles to resemble ornaments.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: This recipe makes 12 cupcakes.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
- Baking Time: 18-20 minutes.
- Total Time: About 1 hour, including cooling and decorating.
Variations
- Flavor Options: Consider adding almond extract or peppermint extract to the batter for a different flavor profile.
- Colorful Trees: Experiment with different food coloring shades to create a variety of tree colors.
- Themed Decorations: Use themed sprinkles or edible glitter to match your holiday décor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the decorated cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm cupcakes, microwave each (without the frosting) for about 10 seconds.
FAQs
How can I make the frosting stiffer for better piping?
Ensure that the butter is adequately softened but not melted, and gradually add powdered sugar until the desired consistency is achieved. Chilling the frosting slightly can also help.
Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making my own?
Yes, store-bought frosting can be used. To achieve the desired consistency for piping, you may need to add powdered sugar.
What type of food coloring is best for achieving vibrant green frosting?
Gel-based food coloring is recommended as it provides intense color without altering the frosting’s consistency.
Can I make these cupcakes in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. It’s best to frost and decorate them on the day of serving.
How do I prevent the cupcake liners from peeling away after baking?
Ensure that the cupcakes are fully baked and allow them to cool completely before storing. Using high-quality liners can also help prevent peeling.
Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting and decorating.
What can I use if I don’t have a piping bag and star tip?
You can use a zip-top plastic bag with a corner snipped off to pipe the frosting. While it won’t create the same effect as a star tip, it can still be used to create a tree shape.
How can I make the cupcakes more moist?
Adding a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter can enhance moisture.
Christmas Tree Cupcakes
- Total Time: 1 hour (includes cooling and decorating)
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Tree Cupcakes are a festive and delicious treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring moist vanilla cupcakes topped with creamy green frosting shaped like Christmas trees and adorned with sprinkles, these cupcakes add whimsy and cheer to your celebrations. Ideal for dessert tables, they’re a fun and creative project for the whole family to enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- Green food coloring
- Assorted sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly into liners, filling each ⅔ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes. Test with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Cool completely.
2. Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
- Add milk for a smooth consistency.
- Mix in green food coloring until the desired shade is achieved.
3. Decorate the Cupcakes:
- Transfer frosting to a piping bag with a star tip.
- Pipe frosting in a circular motion, building upward to form a tree.
- Decorate with sprinkles as ornaments.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add almond or peppermint extract to the batter.
- Gel-based food coloring is ideal for vibrant green frosting.
- Use themed sprinkles or edible glitter for a personalized touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
