Christmas desserts should be as magical as the season itself, and these Christmas Wreath Cupcakes are just the thing to light up your holiday table. With their moist, fluffy cake base and stunning wreath design on top, they’re almost too beautiful to eat—almost!
The first time I made these, I was enchanted by how easy it was to turn a simple cupcake into a festive centerpiece. The rich frosting piped into a wreath pattern, topped with candy “ornaments,” made them an instant hit.
What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is. Whether you prefer classic vanilla or indulgent chocolate as the base, these cupcakes are the perfect holiday canvas. Let’s bake these Christmas Wreath Cupcakes and spread some seasonal joy!
The Christmas Wreath Cupcakes feature a moist cupcake base topped with a vibrant green frosting piped into a wreath design. Decorated with candy “ornaments” and a bow, these festive treats are as delicious as they are eye-catching.
Perfect for holiday parties, these cupcakes are easy to make, fun to decorate, and guaranteed to impress.
An Exciting Story:
The first time I served these Christmas Wreath Cupcakes, my family couldn’t stop admiring them. My husband loved the festive design, and my kids had fun picking off the candy decorations. Now, they’re a holiday tradition that we look forward to baking (and eating!) every year.
Why These Christmas Wreath Cupcakes?
- Festive and Fun: Perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Customizable: Choose your favorite cupcake flavor and decorations.
- Great for All Ages: Kids and adults will love making and eating these.
- Easy to Decorate: Simple techniques for stunning results.
- Holiday Centerpiece: Almost too beautiful to eat!
What You Need for Christmas Wreath Cupcakes
- For the Cupcakes (Makes 12):
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- For Decorating:
- Red candy pearls or mini M&M’s (for ornaments)
- Mini candy canes or licorice (for bows)
- Sprinkles (optional)
How to Make Christmas Wreath Cupcakes
- Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Make the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well. Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk, beating until smooth. Add more milk if needed for a spreadable consistency.
- Mix in green gel food coloring until you achieve the desired shade.
- Decorate the Cupcakes:
- Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe a wreath shape around the edge of each cupcake, leaving the center uncovered.
- Decorate with red candy pearls as “ornaments” and add a small candy cane or a licorice bow for extra festivity. Sprinkle with holiday-themed sprinkles if desired.
- Serve:
- Arrange the cupcakes on a platter for a stunning holiday display and serve at your next celebration!
Tips for Christmas Wreath Cupcakes
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Warm cupcakes can cause the frosting to melt and lose its shape.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides vibrant color without thinning the frosting.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Flavor Variations: Use chocolate, red velvet, or gingerbread cupcakes as the base.
- Alternative Frosting: Swap buttercream for cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Use whole-wheat pastry flour for added fiber.
- Replace some sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Opt for reduced-sugar or dark chocolate candies for decorations.
Closing for Christmas Wreath Cupcakes:
And there you have it—Christmas Wreath Cupcakes that are as festive as they are delicious. These beautiful treats will bring joy to any holiday gathering and are sure to become a cherished tradition. Let us know how yours turn out, and don’t forget to explore more of our holiday dessert recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions for Christmas Wreath Cupcakes
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cupcakes and frost them up to a day in advance. Store in an airtight container. - How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. - Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving. - What’s the best way to pipe the frosting?
Use a star tip for a realistic wreath effect and pipe in a circular motion. - Can I use store-bought frosting?
Absolutely! Add green food coloring to store-bought vanilla frosting for convenience. - What’s a fun serving idea?
Arrange the cupcakes in a circle on a platter to mimic a large wreath. - Can I add flavor to the frosting?
Yes, add a drop of peppermint or almond extract for a holiday twist. - What if I don’t have a piping bag?
Use a plastic sandwich bag with the corner snipped off as a substitute. - How do I make mini cupcakes?
Use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes. - What if I’m not good at piping?
Spread the frosting with a knife and use candies to create a wreath design. - How do I make them extra festive?
Add edible glitter or gold star sprinkles for a sparkling finish. - What’s a creative twist?
Add a swirl of red frosting to the green for a striped wreath effect!
Christmas Wreath Cupcakes
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the Cupcakes (Makes 12):
1 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large 2 eggs
1 tsp 1 vanilla extract
½ cup milk
- For the Frosting:
1 cup 1 unsalted butter, softened
3 cups 3 powdered sugar
2 2 -3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
1 tsp 1 vanilla extract
Green gel food coloring
- For Decorating:
Red candy pearls or mini M&M’s (for ornaments)
Mini candy canes or licorice (for bows)
Sprinkles (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Make the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well. Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk, beating until smooth. Add more milk if needed for a spreadable consistency.
- Mix in green gel food coloring until you achieve the desired shade.
- Decorate the Cupcakes:
- Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe a wreath shape around the edge of each cupcake, leaving the center uncovered.
- Decorate with red candy pearls as “ornaments” and add a small candy cane or a licorice bow for extra festivity. Sprinkle with holiday-themed sprinkles if desired.
- Serve:
- Arrange the cupcakes on a platter for a stunning holiday display and serve at your next celebration!
Follow US on Pinterest
Follow @middleeastsector on Pinterest