CHRISTMAS TREE CUPCAKES
These Christmas tree cupcakes are festive, fun, and easy to decorate. With rich chocolate or vanilla bases and green frosting piped like trees, they're perfect for holiday parties, school treats, or Christmas baking with kids.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 box chocolate or vanilla cake mix plus required ingredients on box
- or
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
For the Frosting & Decoration:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 –2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- Star sprinkles or yellow candy stars
- Mini M&Ms or festive sprinkles
Instructions
Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
Make Cupcake Batter:
- Prepare boxed cake mix according to instructions, or make homemade batter by creaming butter and sugar, adding eggs and vanilla, then alternating dry ingredients with milk.
Bake the Cupcakes:
- Fill liners about ⅔ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Tint with green food coloring.
Decorate:
- Pipe frosting high on each cupcake in a tree shape using a star or round tip. Decorate with sprinkles or mini candies as ornaments. Top with a star candy.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Cupcakes can be made a day in advance and stored unfrosted. Decorate the day of serving.
- Custom Colours: Use different shades of green or edible glitter for a shimmering tree effect.
- Allergy Tips: Substitute dairy-free butter and milk as needed.
- Serving Idea: Display on a holiday cupcake stand for a show-stopping treat.