There’s something undeniably magical about holiday baking, and these Christmas Tree Cupcakes bring that festive charm to life in the sweetest way. With fluffy vanilla cupcakes topped with swirls of rich green buttercream, each one becomes its own little edible evergreen—complete with colorful ornaments and a shimmering gold star. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, baking with the kids, or looking for a treat that doubles as a showstopping centerpiece, these cupcakes are fun to make, irresistibly delicious, and sure to spread plenty of holiday cheer.

🎄 Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Fluffy vanilla cupcakes topped with rich, beautifully piped green

buttercream swirls decorated like miniature Christmas trees.

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Ingredients

Vanilla Cupcakes

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup whole milk

Christmas Tree Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3–4 cups powdered sugar

• 1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Green gel food coloring

• Optional: ¼ tsp almond extract for extra flavor

Decorations

• Small round sprinkle “ornaments” in red, white, yellow, and gold

• Edible gold stars (or fondant stars painted with edible gold dust)

• Blue or white cupcake liners

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Instructions

1. Make the Cupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla.
5. Add half the dry ingredients, mix, then add milk. Mix in remaining dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly into liners (about ⅔ full).
7. Bake 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before decorating.

2. Make the Buttercream

1. Beat butter until smooth and creamy.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar (start with 3 cups), beating well.

3. Add vanilla, and cream/milk 1 tablespoon at a time until frosting is fluffy.

4. Add green gel food coloring until you reach a vibrant Christmas-tree green.

5. If needed, add more powdered sugar to stiffen the frosting for tall piping.

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3. Pipe the Christmas Trees

1. Fit a piping bag with a large star tip (such as Wilton 1M or 2D).

2. Pipe a tight swirl starting at the center of the cupcake and spiraling upward to create a tree shape.

3. Immediately add round sprinkle “ornaments.”

4. Place one edible gold star at the top.