I’m thrilled to share my Christmas Tree Cupcakes. I love how simple ingredients like all purpose flour, granulated sugar, fresh milk, unsalted butter, and a large egg combine into a delightful cake. The silky frosting with powdered sugar and green food coloring adds a festive flair that captivates in design.

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I recently came across this fun twist on holiday treats that I just had to share. I made these Christmas Tree Cupcakes and they turned out to be a blast from start to finish.

I started by mixing 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar and a pinch of salt with 1/2 cup milk and 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter along with 1 large egg, vanilla extract and baking powder. When it came to the frosting, I whipped up 1/2 cup unsalted butter that was softened, mixed in 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk and another bit of vanilla extract.

I added a few drops of green food coloring so they really looked like little Christmas trees. I even sprinkled red and white sprinkles and mini candy canes on top for extra holiday flair.

You really cant go wrong with these festive cupcakes that bring a new spin to Xmas desserts just like Jul Kaka ever recommended. Enjoy and happy baking!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super easy to make even if I’m not a master baker. I don’t have to fry around with too many ingredients and the steps are simple, so it makes me feel confident when I’m in the kitchen.

I love how fun the cupcakes are to decorate. I enjoy adding the sprinkles and mini candy canes to give them a festive, tree-like look which makes the whole process feel creative and enjoyable.

The taste is amazing too. The cupcake itself comes out fluffy and sweet, and that green frosting adds a bit of zing without being too overpowering which really satisfies my sweet tooth.

Finally, this recipe makes my holiday celebrations feel extra special. It brings back memories of baking with family and friends and helps make my Christmas a little more magical.

Ingredients

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All purpose flour offers carbs and structure, giving energy and a base for delicious cupcakes.
Granulated sugar sweetens the mix; it is mostly simple carbohydrate that melts well.
Milk adds moisture, slight protein and blends flavors to make the batter less dense.
Unsalted butter imparts rich taste and softness, both in the cupcake and the frosting.
Egg binds everything together and adds extra protein for a firmer texture.
Baking powder helps the cupcakes rise, making them light and fluffy.
Powdered sugar in the frosting creates a smooth, sweet finish that kids love.

Ingredient Quantities

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup milk

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus a little extra for greasing)

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

A pinch of salt

For the frosting: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tbsp milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

Green food coloring (to get that tree look, add a few drops until you like the color)

Optional: red and white sprinkles, mini candy canes, or other edible decorations for detail

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a cupcake pan with a little extra butter or line with paper cupcake cups.

2. In a large bowl, mix 1 1/4 cups flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and a pinch of salt.

3. Add 1/2 cup milk, 1/3 cup melted butter, 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the dry ingredients; stir until just combined so you don’t overmix.

4. Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about 2/3 full.

5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean; let them cool completely on a rack.

6. For the frosting, beat 1/2 cup softened butter until smooth, then gradually mix in 2 cups powdered sugar.

7. Stir in 2 tbsp milk and another 1 tsp vanilla extract, then add a few drops of green food coloring until you get the perfect Christmas tree hue.

8. Once the cupcakes have cooled, frost them evenly and get creative by adding red and white sprinkles, mini candy canes or any edible decorations to mimic a festive tree.

9. Enjoy your pretty Christmas Tree Cupcakes as a fun and simple holiday treat!

Equipment Needed

1. An oven preheated to 350°F and a cupcake pan (or paper cupcake liners) for baking
2. A large mixing bowl for combining the dry ingredients
3. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions
4. A mixing utensil like a spatula or whisk to stir the batter
5. A small bowl or container to mix ingredients for the frosting if needed
6. An electric hand mixer or stand mixer for beating the butter in the frosting
7. A cooling rack to let the cupcakes cool completely
8. A toothpick to test if the cupcakes are done baking
9. A spatula or knife to frost and decorate the cupcakes with sprinkles and candy canes

FAQ

How do I make the cupcakes look like Christmas trees?

After baking and cooling, use a piping bag or a small knife to spread the green frosting in a tree shape on top of the cupcakes. Then add your candy canes or sprinkles for the tree details.

Can i substitute the milk for something else?

Yeah you can use almond or soy milk instead of regular milk, but just keep an eye on the texture since it might change a little bit.

Do i need to preheat my oven and what temp should i use?

You should preheat your oven to 350°F. This helps the cupcakes bake evenly.

How long should i let the cupcakes cool before decorating?

Let them cool completely, usually about 15 to 20 minutes, so the frosting doesnt melt and you can get clean decorating lines.

Can i make the frosting ahead of time?

Sure you can. Just keep it covered in the fridge and bring it back to room temp before using it to decorator your cupcakes.

Christmas Tree Cupcake Recipe Substitutions and Variations

All purpose flour: You can swap it for gluten free flour or even a mix with whole wheat flour if you wanna add a healthier twist even though the texture might change a bit.
Milk: When you’re dairy free, almond milk or soy milk can work just fine, using the same amount.
Unsalted butter: If you don’t have it, try plant based butter or even coconut oil which gives a nice subtle tropical flavor.
Egg: For an egg free option, you can replace one egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce without affecting the recipe alot.
Granulated sugar: Coconut sugar or a mix with brown sugar works as a decent substitution, adding a hint of molasses flavor.

Pro Tips

1. When you mix the batter, just stir until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the cupcakes dense so just mix it gently, ok?

2. Let your cupcakes cool completely before you start frosting them. If they’re still warm the frosting will melt and not look as neat as you’d want it to be.

3. Add the green food coloring slowly to the frosting so you can get the perfect tree shade without ending up with a weird color.

4. Grease your pan or use paper liners really well. This helps the cupcakes come out easier and stay intact when you’re taking them out.