Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Let’s make Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes a perfect treat for the holiday season! These cupcakes are as fun to make as they are to eat, and they’ll light up your dessert table!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

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

For the Frosting (Tree Decoration):

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green gel food coloring

For the Tree Decorations:

• Sugar cones (one for each cupcake)
• Edible decorations (e.g., sprinkles, mini candies, edible pearls)
• Edible gold or silver stars

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cupcakes

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with festive liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry:
   Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Bake:
   Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Frosting

1. Whip Butter:
   Beat butter in a large bowl until creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Cream:
   Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a thick but pipeable consistency.
3. Color the Frosting:
   Add green gel food coloring and mix until you achieve a vibrant tree-green shade.
4. Transfer to Piping Bag:
   Fit a piping bag with a star tip and fill with frosting.

Step 3: Assemble the Christmas Tree Cupcakes

1. Attach the Cones:
   Place a sugar cone upside-down on top of each cupcake as the tree base. Secure with a small dab of frosting.
2. Frost the Trees:
   Pipe green frosting in swirls to cover the sugar cones, creating the appearance of tree branches.
3. Decorate the Trees:
   Add sprinkles, edible pearls, or mini candies as ornaments. Place an edible star at the top of each tree.
4. Optional Snow Effect:
   Dust the cupcakes lightly with powdered sugar or edible glitter for a snowy finish.

Tips for Success

• Cool Cupcakes Completely: Warm cupcakes will melt the frosting, so ensure they’re fully cooled.
• Use Piping Gel for a Glossy Look: Add a touch of piping gel to the frosting for a shinier tree effect.
• Customize Decorations: Use themed sprinkles or personalize with edible decorations to match your holiday vibe.

These Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes are the perfect blend of whimsy and deliciousness. They’re a guaranteed hit for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or a fun baking project with the family!