Christmas Tree Cupcakes Recipe

Name: Christmas Tree Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 2 dz.
Ingredients: 2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 3/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 c. granulated sugar; 1 tsp. baking powder; 1 tsp. baking soda; 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 3/4 c. canola oil; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract; 1 c. full-fat buttermilk; 3/4 c. strongly brewed and cooled coffee (or hot water); 1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 2 to 3 tbsp. whole milk or heavy cream; 1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder; 4 c. confectioners’ sugar; Green food coloring; Star sprinkles, pearl sprinkles, and gold sprinkles, for decorating

Set one of these out for Santa on Christmas Eve!

By Beth BranchPublished: Oct 26, 2023

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a group of christmas tree cupcakes on plates

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Yields:

2 dz.

Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

1 hr

Santa has a long night ahead of him on Christmas Eve, and while Christmas cookies are great, you may want to treat the big guy to something a pick-me-up that's a little more special.

These festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes are made with strong coffee, which gives them both a deeper, richer flavor, as well as a little boost for Santa—or anyone—staying up late to fill the tree with presents.

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Ingredients

For the chocolate cake:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
3/4 cup canola oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 cup full-fat buttermilk
3/4 cup strongly brewed and cooled coffee (or hot water)

For the vanilla buttercream:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 to 3 tbsp. whole milk or heavy cream
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Green food coloring
Star sprinkles, pearl sprinkles, and gold sprinkles, for decorating

Directions

1. Step 1Make the cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two standard 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
2. Step 2Beat oil, eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, and coffee with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined, about 1 minute. Add flour mixture and beat until combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to prepared pans, dividing evenly (each cup should be about two-thirds full).
3. Step 3Bake, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 18 to 20 minutes. Cool in pans on a wire rack, 15 minutes, then transfer to rack to cool completely.
4. Step 4Make the buttercream: Beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Beat in milk, vanilla, cocoa powder, and 2 cups confectioners’ sugar until combined. Add remaining 2 cups confectioners’ sugar and beat until combined. Add desired amount of food coloring and mix to combine. Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star decorating tip. Pipe frosting on cupcakes in a swirl motion to create a Christmas tree shape. Decorate with a star on top and round pearl and gold sprinkles to resemble ornaments.