Holiday Red Velvet Cupcakes with Elf Toppers

These Red Velvet Cupcakes with adorable Elf Toppers are the perfect festive treat for your holiday celebrations! They’re rich, moist, and decorated with a fun, whimsical elf theme that will bring smiles to everyone at your table.

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cupcakes:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Elf Toppers (Edible Decorations):

• Green fondant (for elf hats and shoes)
• Red fondant (for elf clothing and accents)
• Small edible eyes or black gel (for facial features)
• White fondant (for the elf’s beard or trim on hats)
• Mini candy cane or red licorice (for elf’s arm or walking stick)
• Optional: A little edible glitter for added sparkle

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Red Velvet Cupcakes

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add Food Coloring:
   Stir in the red gel food coloring until the batter is evenly tinted.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Activate the Baking Soda:
   In a small bowl, mix the vinegar and baking soda (it will fizz), and then gently fold this into the cupcake batter.
8. Bake the Cupcakes:
   Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Whip Butter and Cream Cheese:
   Beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Add Powdered Sugar:
   Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low to avoid a sugar cloud.
3. Flavor the Frosting:
   Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for flavor balance.
4. Frost the Cupcakes:
   Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a large round tip or star tip to frost the cupcakes with the cream cheese frosting.

Step 3: Make the Elf Toppers

1. Shape the Elf Hats:
   Roll the green fondant into a cone shape for the elf’s hat. Add a little white fondant for the trim at the base of the hat.
2. Create Elf Faces:
   Roll a small ball of red fondant for the elf’s body and add small details like a tiny green collar. For facial features, use small edible eyes or black gel.
3. Add Elf Shoes or Legs:
   Roll small pieces of green fondant into a cone shape for shoes. You can also roll red fondant to make arms or legs, or use mini candy canes for a fun effect.
4. Assemble the Elf Toppers:
   Place the elf face and hat on top of the frosted cupcakes. You can use edible glue or a small dab of frosting to stick them to the cupcakes.
5. Optional Details:
   Add small details like a mini candy cane as an elf’s walking stick or other tiny decorations to give the toppers personality.

Step 4: Decorate the Cupcakes

1. Elf Toppers:
   Place the finished elf toppers on top of each frosted cupcake.
2. Additional Garnishes:
   Optionally, you can dust the cupcakes with a little edible glitter for added sparkle or place additional tiny sprinkles around the base for extra festivity.

Tips for Success

• Fondant Work: If you’re new to working with fondant, it’s okay to use store-bought fondant and roll it out thinly. You can also use food coloring pens or edible markers for smaller details.
• Make Ahead: You can make the cupcakes and frosting a day ahead, just store them in an airtight container. Assemble the elf toppers on the day of serving for freshness.
• Personalization: You can customize the elf toppers by adding little accessories or changing the colors to fit your holiday theme.

These Holiday Red Velvet Cupcakes with Elf Toppers will be a hit at your holiday party or family gathering. They’re cute, delicious, and perfectly festive!