There’s something truly magical about baking during the holiday season, isn’t there? The smell of sweet vanilla and warm butter fills the kitchen, and it instantly makes me feel cozy and festive. My absolute favorite way to spread that holiday cheer is by whipping up some easy Christmas cupcakes. They’re not just delicious; they’re like little bites of joy topped with colorful sprinkles that scream celebration! Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, bringing treats to a party, or just indulging on a quiet evening at home, these cupcakes are a perfect choice. Trust me, they’re so simple to make that even if you’re a beginner, you’ll feel like a pro in no time. So, let’s dive into the ingredients and get our holiday baking adventure started!
Ingredients for Easy Christmas Cupcakes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red and green sprinkles for decoration
- 1 cup buttercream frosting (store-bought or homemade)
How to Prepare Easy Christmas Cupcakes
Preheat and Mix
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting those cupcakes perfectly fluffy! While that’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. I like to use a hand mixer for this part, but a whisk works too if you’re feeling strong! You want to beat it until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick. Then, add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps create a smooth batter!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Next, stir in the milk and vanilla extract. Oh, that smell already makes my heart sing! In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a tender crumb, not a dense cupcake. Just a few folds until everything is nicely blended will do!
Fill and Bake
Now it’s time to fill the cupcake liners! Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, fill each liner about two-thirds full with the batter. This allows room for them to rise without overflowing. Pop them in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Just a bit of patience here; the aroma wafting through your kitchen is worth the wait!
Cool and Frost
Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling step is key—frosting warm cupcakes can lead to a melty mess! Once they’re completely cool, it’s time to get creative. Frost with your buttercream icing and sprinkle with those festive red and green sprinkles. Wow, just look at those beauties! You’re not just baking; you’re creating holiday magic!
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, and nobody wants that!
- Use an Ice Cream Scoop: For perfectly even cupcakes, use an ice cream scoop to fill the liners. This way, they’ll all bake uniformly.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness; if it comes out clean, they’re ready! This is key for that perfect fluffy texture.
- Decorate with Flair: Have fun with your sprinkles! Mixing colors or using festive toppings like mini chocolate chips can add a personal touch.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in these delightful easy Christmas cupcakes, it’s always good to know what you’re enjoying! Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per cupcake:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are just estimates, and they can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. But hey, a little indulgence during the holidays is totally acceptable, right? Enjoy every bite of your festive creations!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these easy Christmas cupcakes? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up when baking these festive treats:
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! While buttercream is a classic choice, you can get creative with cream cheese frosting or even whipped cream for a lighter touch. Just make sure it holds up well for decoration!
What if I don’t have cupcake liners?
No problem! You can grease the cupcake tin with butter or cooking spray instead. Just be sure to let them cool a bit before removing them to avoid sticking.
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! These cupcakes store wonderfully. You can bake them a day or two in advance and keep them in an airtight container. Just frost them right before serving to keep that icing fresh!
What can I do with leftover batter?
If you have extra batter, you can bake it in a small baking dish as a mini cake! Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need a few extra minutes.
Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit for a fun twist. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if needed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These easy Christmas cupcakes come together in just about 40 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- Delicious Flavor: With a rich buttery taste and a hint of vanilla, each bite is a delightful treat that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Festive Appearance: Topped with vibrant red and green sprinkles, these cupcakes are not just tasty but also a beautiful addition to your holiday spread.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and decorating these cupcakes can be a fun family activity!
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the sprinkles or frosting to match your holiday theme or personal preferences!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious easy Christmas cupcakes is super simple! Once they’ve cooled completely, pop them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying them again!
If you’ve got leftovers that you want to keep even longer, these cupcakes can be frozen! Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—just frost and enjoy your festive treat!
Print
Easy Christmas Cupcakes That Bring Sweet Joy to Your Holidays
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy Christmas cupcakes perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red and green sprinkles
- 1 cup buttercream frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool before frosting.
- Decorate with buttercream frosting and sprinkles.
Notes
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container.
- Use different colors of sprinkles for variety.
- Substitute almond extract for vanilla for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: easy christmas cupcakes
