Christmas Cupcakes

Name: Christmas Cupcakes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 48 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup white sugar; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); ½ cup yogurt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 4-5 cups powdered sugar (to taste); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; Red and green gel food color (such as Wilton gel colors)

By:

Sarah

Published:

November 1, 2025

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These Christmas cupcakes are a lovely way to celebrate the holiday season. Imagine a light, fluffy cupcake topped with vibrant, colorful frosting that captures the festive spirit. Not only do they look adorable with shades of red, green, and white, but they also melt in your mouth, delivering just the right amount of sweetness. This recipe is perfect for anyone, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out. It’s simple enough to whip up in an afternoon, yet impressive enough to share at gatherings or give as gifts. As you gather with family and friends, nothing brings about a sense of joy quite like these delightful treats. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, get our baking tools ready, and jump right into making these perfect Christmas cupcakes that are sure to be a hit this holiday season!

Why This Recipe Works

In crafting these Christmas cupcakes, the combination of moist yogurt, buttery richness, and a perfect balance of sweetness ensures a tender crumb that stands out in every festive gathering. Using both baking powder and baking soda provides a delightful rise, while the flavorful frosting creates the quintessential holiday treat.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cupcakes

These Christmas cupcakes are not only adorable with their vibrant red, green, and white frostings, but they also bring a sense of joy and celebration to any holiday gathering. The easy-to-follow recipe makes it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re hosting a party or gifting baked goods, these festive cupcakes are sure to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients for Christmas Cupcakes

For the Cupcakes:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup white sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
½ cup yogurt
For the Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
4-5 cups powdered sugar (to taste)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Red and green gel food color (such as Wilton gel colors)

Making the Christmas Cupcakes

Preparing the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¾ cup of white sugar until well combined. This step lays a solid foundation for your cupcakes.

Creaming the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, cream together the 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, ½ cup of softened unsalted butter, and ½ cup of yogurt until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This blending creates a rich, flavorful base that adds to the overall delight.

Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. It’s crucial to be careful not to overmix, as this will help keep the cupcakes light and fluffy, making every bite heavenly.

Filling the Cupcake Liners

Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Fill your cupcake liners about two-thirds full with the batter. Bake for 15-18 minutes, and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. This cooling time is key; it prevents your lovely frosting from melting.

Making the Frosting

Creaming the Butter

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the 1 cup of unsalted butter on medium-high speed until very pale and fluffy, which usually takes 5-8 minutes. This step creates a luscious base for your frosting.

Adding the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the 4-5 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until just incorporated after each addition. This approach helps achieve your desired consistency. If the frosting feels too thick, add a splash of whole milk or heavy cream to make it easier to work with.

Flavoring the Frosting

Once the sugar is well mixed in, add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix for another 30 seconds to ensure everything blends well. The flavor is key for bringing that cozy, festive feel to your cupcakes.

Coloring the Frosting

Divide the frosting into three bowls. Color one bowl green, another red, and leave the third bowl white using red and green gel food colors. Ensure each color is vibrant and visually appealing, as it will enhance the presentation.

Piping the Frosting

Place the colored frostings into three separate disposable piping bags. Then, put all three bags into a large piping bag fitted with a star tip (like Wilton 1M). Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes in a swirling motion to create beautiful festive decorations. Each swirl is a little work of art!

Serving Suggestions

These Christmas cupcakes can be beautifully arranged on a decorative platter, garnished with sprinkles or edible glitter for that extra flair. Pair them with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea for a delightful treat during the holiday season. Every gathering becomes more joyful with these sweet bites on the table.

Tips for Success

Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Don’t overmix the batter; this keeps your cupcakes light and fluffy.
Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Variations

Incorporate festive flavors like peppermint extract or almond flavoring into the cupcake batter for added delight.
Use different gel colors to match your holiday theme or personal preferences.
Experiment with additional frostings like cream cheese or chocolate to change the flavor profile!

Storage Tips

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the refrigerator or freeze them for up to one month. Just let them come to room temperature before serving, so they taste their best.

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free flour for these cupcakes?
Yes, you can easily substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version. Just ensure it has a good balance of ingredients.

2. How can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
Substitute unsalted butter with dairy-free butter and yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Your cupcakes will still be delicious!

3. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the frosting a day in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator and re-whip it before using.

4. What’s the best way to decorate these cupcakes?
Using a piping bag gives a clean and professional look. However, if you prefer a rustic appearance, you can also spread the frosting with a knife.

5. How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re ready!

These Christmas cupcakes are a perfect union of festive flavor and delightful presentation, making them an essential treat for your holiday celebrations. With their light texture and creamy, colorful frosting, every bite brings joy, warmth, and a sprinkle of festive magic to your celebrations. Happy baking!