If you’re looking to add a burst of festive cheer to your holiday gathering, this Christmas Cupcakes Recipe is the perfect treat to bake and share. These cupcakes are wonderfully soft and moist, with a tender crumb enhanced by a subtle hint of vanilla and peppermint that speaks directly to the season. Topped with creamy, luscious frosting that’s as delightful to look at as it is to taste, these cupcakes will quickly become a beloved holiday staple. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying a fun festive recipe for the first time, this Christmas Cupcakes Recipe brings simple ingredients together into a show-stopping dessert that’s guaranteed to spread joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Christmas Cupcakes Recipe lies in its simplicity: each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the buttery crumb to the velvety frosting, these components harmonize beautifully to create cupcakes that are as irresistible as they are festive.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure that keeps the cupcakes tender yet sturdy enough to hold the frosting.
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise perfectly, giving them a light and fluffy texture.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to ensure even leavening.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors by balancing the sweetness.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and moisture, creating a soft crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes just right without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Provides structure and helps bind everything together for a tender bite.
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (room temperature): Brings moisture and a subtle tang that lifts the flavor.
- ¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist and soft.
- ½ cup whole milk (room temperature): Adds richness and helps create a smooth batter.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses every bite with warm, classic sweetness.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature, for frosting): The base for a creamy, fluffy frosting that’s perfect for decorating.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the ideal consistency.
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream: Adds silkiness to the frosting, making it spreadable and smooth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the frosting’s flavor with comforting aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon pure peppermint extract: Gives the frosting a refreshing, festive twist.
- Pinch of salt (optional): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity in the frosting.
How to Make Christmas Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—this ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed for a perfect rise.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the 6 tablespoons of room temperature unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is key to infusing air into the batter, resulting in tender cupcakes.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Yogurt, and Oil
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the Greek yogurt and vegetable oil, which together give your cupcakes extra moisture and a slight tang.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the dry ingredients and the whole milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Stir in the vanilla extract. Be gentle here—overmixing can make cupcakes dense, so fold just until everything is combined and smooth.
Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling them about two-thirds full. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let them cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Make the Peppermint Frosting
Beat the ¾ cup unsalted butter on its own until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with the heavy cream until smooth and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt if desired. This frosting dresses your cupcakes with that signature festive flavor and beautifully creamy texture.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, generously pipe or spread the peppermint frosting over each one. This final touch will not only look stunning but taste absolutely heavenly.
How to Serve Christmas Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the festive vibe, sprinkle crushed candy canes or red and green colored sugar on top of the frosting. You can also add miniature edible holly berries or silver dragees for a little sparkle. These garnishes add texture and visual holiday flair that make each cupcake a miniature celebration.
Side Dishes
Serve these cupcakes alongside a cup of hot cocoa, chai latte, or peppermint tea to complement their minty sweetness. For an adult twist, mulled wine or eggnog pairs beautifully too. The warmth of these drinks balances the coolness of the peppermint frosting, crafting a perfectly cozy holiday experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Christmas cupcakes on a tiered cake stand for a dazzling dessert display at your holiday party. You can also wrap individual cupcakes in clear cellophane with a red ribbon for festive gifts. Another fun idea is to set up a cupcake decorating station where guests can add their own sprinkles and toppers, turning dessert into an interactive holiday activity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cupcakes leftover, keep them fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to maintain their moist texture and creamy frosting.
Freezing
Want to prepare your Christmas Cupcakes Recipe in advance? You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. For frosted cupcakes, freeze them uncovered on a baking sheet first, then wrap individually and store in a container. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
For a freshly baked feel, let refrigerated or thawed cupcakes come to room temperature, then warm them briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds if desired. This will revive their soft texture and enhance the flavors without melting the frosting too much.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Greek yogurt in this Christmas Cupcakes Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, sour cream or buttermilk are great alternatives that will keep the cupcakes moist and tender without changing the flavor significantly.
What if I don’t like peppermint flavor in my frosting?
No problem! You can simply omit the peppermint extract and increase the vanilla extract slightly, or try adding a teaspoon of almond extract for a warm, nutty twist that’s just as festive.
Are these cupcakes suitable for freezing after they are frosted?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze them uncovered on a sheet first to harden the frosting before wrapping. This prevents the frosting from sticking or melting, preserving their appearance and texture during freezing.
How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?
Use the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake, and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re perfectly baked. If there’s wet batter, they need a bit more time.
Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy ingredients like butter, milk, and yogurt with plant-based alternatives such as vegan butter, almond milk, and coconut yogurt to make this recipe dairy-free. Just keep in mind this may slightly alter the texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking and sharing treats during the holiday season, and this Christmas Cupcakes Recipe hits all the right notes with its tender crumb and peppermint-kissed frosting. Easy to make and utterly charming, this recipe invites you to add a homemade touch to your celebrations. So pull out your mixing bowls, gather your loved ones, and let these cupcakes bring warmth and joy to your festivities. You’re going to love every bite!
Print
Christmas Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas Cupcakes, featuring a moist vanilla base topped with a creamy peppermint buttercream frosting. Perfectly balanced with classic flavors and a hint of peppermint, these cupcakes bring a joyful touch to any Christmas gathering.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (room temperature)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Buttercream Frosting
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract with the second egg.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, and whole milk.
- Alternate Adding Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until combined without overmixing.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Bake for 14-16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Make Buttercream Frosting: Beat the unsalted butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid powder clouds. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt. Beat on high for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a spatula or piping bag to frost the cupcakes generously with the peppermint buttercream.
- Serve and Enjoy: Decorate as desired with festive sprinkles or candy canes and enjoy your delicious Christmas-themed cupcakes.
Notes
- Make sure all wet ingredients are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and proper rise.
- Do not overmix the batter once combining wet and dry ingredients to keep cupcakes tender.
- If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, adjust the peppermint extract incrementally.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Bring refrigerated cupcakes back to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
- These cupcakes freeze well; freeze unfrosted cupcakes individually and thaw before frosting.
