Christmas Wreath Cupcakes

Here’s a recipe to make beautiful and festive Christmas Wreath Cupcakes that will wow your guests this holiday season!

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ 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:

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

For Decoration:

• Red candies (e.g., M&M’s, red sprinkles)
• Miniature sugar pearls
• Piping bag and leaf or star tip
• Edible glitter (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Cupcakes

1. Preheat 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 flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together with a hand or stand mixer 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:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Bake:
   Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Buttercream Frosting

1. Whip the Butter:
   Beat the butter in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add Sugar:
   Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Add Cream and Vanilla:
   Mix in the vanilla extract and add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
4. Color the Frosting:
   Add green gel food coloring and mix until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Decorate the Wreaths

1. Pipe the Wreaths:
   Fit a piping bag with a leaf or star tip and fill it with green frosting. Pipe small leaves or rosettes around the edge of each cupcake to create a wreath shape.
2. Add Decorations:
   Place red candies to mimic berries and sugar pearls for added texture. Dust with edible glitter for extra sparkle.
3. Finish with a Bow:
   Optional: Pipe or place pre-made edible bows at the bottom of each wreath for a charming touch.

Tips for Success:

• Chill the frosting slightly before piping if it becomes too soft.
• Use a turntable or rotate the cupcake while piping for smooth, even wreath designs.
• Add other festive touches like mini candy canes or edible gold leaf for extra holiday flair.

Serve these cupcakes at your holiday gathering or package them as a sweet homemade gift!