Oh, the magic of holiday baking! There’s nothing quite like the scent of freshly baked cupcakes wafting through the house as the festive season approaches. These simple Christmas cupcakes are not only a breeze to whip up, but they also bring a burst of joy to any holiday gathering. Trust me, when you see those bright red and green sprinkles twinkling on top, it’s hard not to smile! I’ve been baking holiday treats for years, and these cupcakes have become a staple in my kitchen. They’re perfect for family celebrations, office parties, or just a cozy evening at home with loved ones. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into making these delightful little bites of cheer!
Ingredients List
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Red and green sprinkles for decoration
- Buttercream frosting (store-bought or homemade)
How to Prepare Simple Christmas Cupcakes
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). I can’t stress enough how important this step is! Preheating ensures your cupcakes bake evenly, giving you that perfect fluffy texture we all crave. So, go ahead and turn it on now while you gather your ingredients!
Mix the Ingredients
Now, let’s bring everything together! In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should look pale and airy, and trust me, this is where the magic begins! Next, add in the two large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You want a smooth consistency here. Once that’s done, stir in the milk and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overdo it; we want tender cupcakes, not dense ones!
Fill and Bake
Now, it’s time to fill those cupcake liners! I love using a cookie scoop for this—it makes the process so much easier and less messy. Fill each liner about two-thirds full with batter, leaving a little room for them to rise. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean, they’re ready to come out!
Cool and Frost
Once baked, let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They need to cool completely before frosting, so be patient—it’s worth the wait! When they’re cool, generously frost each cupcake with your favorite buttercream. And don’t forget the festive touch—sprinkle those red and green sprinkles on top for that holiday cheer! Trust me, they’ll be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Absolutely festive with cheerful red and green sprinkles!
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
- Ideal for gatherings, bringing smiles to both kids and adults alike.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings—get creative!
- Deliciously moist and fluffy, making each bite a joy.
- Great for gift-giving; who doesn’t love homemade treats?
- Perfectly portioned to satisfy those sweet cravings without going overboard.
Tips for Success
To make sure your simple Christmas cupcakes turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some handy tips for you! First, always use room temperature ingredients, especially your butter and eggs. This helps create that creamy, fluffy texture we all love. If your butter is too cold, it won’t mix properly with the sugar, and we definitely don’t want that!
Next, when measuring your flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife—don’t scoop straight from the bag! This prevents packing it down, which can lead to dry cupcakes. Trust me, nobody wants a dry cupcake at their holiday gathering!
Also, keep an eye on your baking time. Ovens can vary, so start checking your cupcakes a minute or two before the recommended time. You want them to be lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean—just the way they should be!
Finally, let those cupcakes cool completely before frosting them. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but waiting will give you the best results. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your frosting and toppings! Have fun with it; this is all about spreading holiday joy!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to put your own spin on these simple Christmas cupcakes! Let your creativity shine and make them uniquely yours.
- Colorful Frosting: Try using different food coloring to create vibrant frosting! You can go for classic red and green or mix it up with blues and whites for a winter wonderland effect.
- Fun Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Mini marshmallows, candy canes, or even crushed cookies can add a delightful crunch and festive flair.
- Flavor Infusions: Add a twist by mixing in some peppermint extract to your batter for a refreshing holiday flavor. You could also fold in mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a little extra surprise!
- Layered Cupcakes: Why not make them layered? Bake your cupcakes in two colors of batter—just divide the batter and tint one half and layer them in the cupcake liners for a fun surprise when you bite in!
- Nutty Delight: For a richer texture, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter. They’ll add a wonderful crunch and a hint of nuttiness that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Spiced Up: Bring in some holiday spices! A teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter can give your cupcakes that warm, cozy feel we all love during the holiday season.
Mix and match these ideas to create your perfect festive treat! There’s no wrong way to enjoy these cupcakes, so have fun and make them your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked these delightful simple Christmas cupcakes, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious! To store any leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them moist and prevents any unwanted drying out. They’ll last for about 3-4 days on your kitchen counter, or if you want to keep them even longer, you can pop them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving again!
If you find yourself with leftover frosted cupcakes (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), you can store them in the fridge as well. Just be cautious with the sprinkles on top; they might lose their crunch if stored too long. You can always add a fresh sprinkle of joy right before serving!
Now, if you’re looking to enjoy them warm, reheating is super simple! Just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will make the frosting a little gooey and the cupcake wonderfully soft. Be careful not to overheat them, though, or you might end up with a cupcake that’s too hot to handle!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about what’s in these delightful simple Christmas cupcakes! As with all treats, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one cupcake:
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and any toppings you add. But hey, a little sweetness is what the holidays are all about, right? Enjoy each bite, and don’t forget to share the joy of baking with friends and family!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of frosting? Absolutely! While buttercream is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or even a chocolate ganache for a delicious twist.
What if I don’t have all-purpose flour? No worries! You can substitute with cake flour for a lighter texture, or if you need a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check the packaging for any specific instructions!
How do I store leftover cupcakes? Store your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you have frosted cupcakes, refrigerate them to keep them fresh longer, but let them come back to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I make the batter ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before filling your cupcake liners. It’s a great time-saver during the busy holiday season!
What can I do if my cupcakes sink in the middle? Sinking cupcakes can be a bummer! This usually happens if they’re underbaked or if there’s too much mixing. Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick and mix just until combined for the best results!
Imprimer
Simple Christmas Cupcakes That Spark Pure Joy in 30 Minutes
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
These simple Christmas cupcakes are festive and easy to make. Perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingrédients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Red and green sprinkles for decoration
- Buttercream frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the eggs and mix well.
- Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fill cupcake liners with batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool completely.
- Frost with buttercream and add sprinkles.
Notes
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container.
- Use food coloring for different frosting colors.
- Try different toppings like mini marshmallows.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 28g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: simple christmas cupcakes
