Description
Celebrate the festive season with these Easy Christmas Cupcakes, featuring moist vanilla cupcakes topped with creamy green buttercream frosting and decorated with holiday-themed sprinkles, candy canes, and edible snowflakes. Perfect for holiday parties and family gatherings, these cupcakes combine a classic vanilla base with vibrant decorations that bring holiday cheer to every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (or homemade vanilla cake recipe)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water (or as directed on the mix)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Buttercream Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp milk (adjust as needed for consistency)
- Green gel food coloring
Decorations
- Mini candy canes
- Red and green sprinkles
- Edible snowflake decorations or fondant snowflakes
- Powdered sugar (for a snowy effect)
- Mini gingerbread cookies (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with festive cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, water, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the cupcakes cool completely.
- Make the Buttercream Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing continuously to prevent lumps.
- Add Flavor and Texture: Incorporate the vanilla extract and milk into the butter and sugar mixture. Beat the frosting until it becomes light and fluffy, adjusting the milk quantity to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Color the Frosting: Add green gel food coloring to the frosting and mix thoroughly until the frosting is a vibrant green, perfect for Christmas-themed decoration.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, pipe the green buttercream frosting onto each cooled cupcake in a decorative swirl pattern.
- Decorate: Garnish the frosted cupcakes with mini candy canes, red and green sprinkles, and edible snowflake decorations or fondant snowflakes. Lightly dust with powdered sugar to mimic a snowy effect. Optionally place mini gingerbread cookies on top for extra festive flair.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can substitute the box cake mix with your favorite homemade vanilla cake recipe for a personal touch.
- Adjust the amount of green gel food coloring to achieve your desired color intensity.
- If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Allow refrigerated cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
