Why Make This Recipe

Christmas Tree Cupcakes are a fun and festive treat that everyone loves during the holiday season. They are not only delicious but also bring a cheerful look to any holiday gathering. Making these cupcakes is a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas and impress your family and friends with your baking skills. Plus, they are easy to make and are perfect for both kids and adults!

How to Make Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Ingredients

½ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup sour cream
¾ cup heavy cream
4 eggs
1 box chocolate cake mix
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 tsp espresso powder (optional)
2 cups butter (cold and cut into chunks)
10 cups powdered sugar
2 tbs vanilla
½ cup plus 2 tbs heavy cream
Pinch of salt
Green Gel Food Coloring
1 M Piping Tip
Piping Bags
Golden Star Sprinkles
Holiday Sprinkles

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, sour cream, heavy cream, and eggs.
Add the chocolate cake mix, cocoa powder, and espresso powder (if using) to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined.
Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
For the frosting, beat the cold butter until creamy.
Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
Add the vanilla, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high until light and fluffy.
Add green gel food coloring until you reach your desired shade of green.
Transfer the green frosting into a piping bag fitted with a 1 M piping tip.
Pipe a spiral upward on each cupcake to create a tree shape.
Top each cupcake with golden star sprinkles and holiday sprinkles for decoration.
Serve on a festive platter, possibly in the shape of a Christmas tree.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Cupcakes

These cupcakes are perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or simply for enjoying at home. You can serve them on a big plate or arrange them nicely to look like a Christmas tree. Pair them with hot cocoa or eggnog for a sweet seasonal treat!

How to Store Christmas Tree Cupcakes

You can store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for about two days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Tips to Make Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Use a good quality butter for the frosting to enhance the flavor.
Make sure your butter is cold when you beat it to get the right creamy texture.
Experiment with different colors of gel food coloring to create unique designs.
If you don’t have a piping bag, you can also use a plastic zip bag with a corner cut off.

Variation

You can change the flavor of the cupcakes by using vanilla or red velvet cake mix instead of chocolate. You can also make the frosting in different colors to match your holiday theme!

FAQs

1. Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container until you are ready to frost and serve.

2. How can I make the cupcakes gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix instead of the regular one. Make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

3. Can I freeze the cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled cupcakes without frosting for up to three months. Just be sure to wrap them well. Thaw them before frosting and serving.