Ornament Cupcakes

These Ornament Cupcakes are a delightful, creative treat for the holiday season! With their vibrant colors and festive design, they resemble beautiful Christmas tree ornaments. Perfect for holiday parties or as a special gift, these cupcakes are sure to spread some cheer while satisfying your sweet tooth!

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• Food coloring (red, green, gold, or any color you prefer for the ornaments)

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• Food coloring (for decorating the ornaments)
• Optional: Edible glitter or sprinkles for extra decoration

For the Ornament Decoration:

• Colorful fondant (red, green, gold, etc.) or colored buttercream
• Small piping tips for detailed designs
• Edible glitter or metallic sprinkles (optional)
• Candy canes or lollipops (for ornament hooks)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Cupcake Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Make the Cupcake Batter:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
   • Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
3. Bake the Cupcakes:
   • Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Prepare the Frosting:
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until the frosting is thick and smooth.
   • Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk, and continue beating until light and fluffy.
   • Divide the frosting into separate bowls and color each with food coloring to match your ornament colors (red, green, gold, etc.).
5. Frost the Cupcakes:
   • Using a piping bag or spatula, frost the cupcakes with your colored frosting, making them look like little Christmas ornaments. Use a smooth, rounded swirl for the base of the ornament.
6. Decorate the Ornaments:
   • For the ornament cap, roll small pieces of silver or gold fondant (or use a metallic colored frosting) into small balls or shapes, and place them on top of the cupcakes to mimic the ornament top.
   • Use a piping bag with a small round tip to create a “hanger” shape at the top of the ornament using silver or gold frosting.
   • Add edible glitter, sprinkles, or small candy pieces for added sparkle.
7. Add the Ornament Hooks:
   • Insert small candy canes, mini lollipops, or pretzel sticks into the tops of the cupcakes to resemble the ornament hooks.
8. Let the Frosting Set:
   • Allow the frosting to firm up for about 15-20 minutes before serving to make sure the decorations stay in place.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
   • These adorable Ornament Cupcakes are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at your holiday party, give them as gifts, or enjoy them with family and friends.

Tips for Success:

• Cupcake Flavor: You can use any flavor of cupcake base you like, whether it’s vanilla, chocolate, or even spice cake for a festive touch.
• Fondant Alternatives: If you don’t have fondant, you can use colored icing or even melted chocolate to create the ornament caps.
• Creative Decorations: Feel free to add extra holiday-themed decorations, such as little holly leaves, stars, or snowflakes to make each ornament unique.
• Make Ahead: These cupcakes can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to serve.

These Ornament Cupcakes are the perfect way to add some sparkle and sweetness to your holiday celebrations. With their bright colors and festive appeal, they are as fun to make as they are to eat!