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Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Delightful Christmas Tree Cupcakes that are easy to decorate and perfect for holiday gatherings, featuring a tender vanilla base topped with fluffy green buttercream.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baking
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Cupcake Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature Make sure it's soft but not melted.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Use good quality vanilla.
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Sifted for a lighter texture.
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt To balance sweetness.
  • 0.5 cup milk
Green Buttercream Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter Make sure it’s softened.
  • 3 cups powdered sugar Sifted.
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream For a silky texture.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1-2 drops leaf green gel food coloring Add more as needed.
  • 1-2 drops forest green gel food coloring For depth when needed.

Method
 

Prepare Cupcakes
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour.
  6. Fill each cupcake liner two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Make Green Buttercream
  1. Beat the softened butter until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar in three parts, mixing on low speed until combined and then increasing to high until smooth.
  3. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, then mix until well combined.
  4. Color with gel food coloring to your desired shade of green.
  5. Chill the buttercream for 10 minutes if necessary to firm up for piping.
Pipe Cupcakes
  1. Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip with the green buttercream.
  2. Start by piping a swirl at the top of each cupcake to create the base of the tree.
  3. Stack smaller swirls on top, tapering as you go, until you shape a mini tree. Finish with a tiny peak.
  4. Decorate immediately with sprinkles and edible decorations.

Notes

Frosted cupcakes should be stored in the refrigerator and brought to room temperature before serving. If the buttercream feels too soft during piping, chill for a few minutes to achieve clean edges.