CHRISTMAS TREE CUPCAKES

Christmas tree cupcakes are festive, fun, and perfect for holiday gatherings! These cupcakes are decorated to resemble little Christmas trees, complete with green frosting, sprinkles, and a star on top.

Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Christmas Tree Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (for consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green gel food coloring
• A pinch of salt

For Decorating:

• Star-shaped sprinkles or fondant stars
• Mini M&M’s, colored sugar pearls, or holiday sprinkles (to resemble ornaments)
• Pretzel sticks (optional, to resemble tree trunks)
• Edible glitter (optional)

Instructions:

Making the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with holiday-themed cupcake liners.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, then mix in the milk. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before decorating.

Making the Christmas Tree Frosting:

1. Cream the butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
3. Adjust consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
4. Add food coloring: Mix in green gel food coloring until the frosting reaches a vibrant Christmas tree green color.

Decorating the Cupcakes:

1. Create the Christmas tree shape: Use a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (Wilton 1M or 2D works well) to pipe the frosting in a swirl on top of each cupcake, creating a tree shape.
2. Add the ornaments: Decorate the “trees” with mini M&M’s, colored sugar pearls, or holiday sprinkles to mimic ornaments.
3. Top with a star: Place a star-shaped sprinkle or fondant star on top of each tree.
4. Optional decorations: Insert a small pretzel stick at the base of the frosting swirl to resemble a tree trunk. Dust the cupcakes with edible glitter for extra sparkle.

These Christmas tree cupcakes will bring joy to any holiday celebration!