Christmas Cupcakes are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a celebration of the holiday season! These delightful, festive creations not only tantalize the taste buds but also serve as charming edible decor, guaranteeing them to be the highlight of any holiday gathering, from intimate family dinners to grand seasonal parties.

Festive Snow Globe Christmas Cupcakes: A Magical Holiday Treat

Imagine the wonder of a snow globe, with its tiny world enclosed in a sphere, capturing a moment of winter magic. Now, picture that magic transformed into an edible, delectable dessert. Welcome to the enchanting world of Snow Globe Christmas Cupcakes! These aren’t just any ordinary holiday treat; they are miniature edible marvels designed to captivate and delight everyone who sees them, making them ideal for any festive occasion.

Crafting these festive cupcakes is surprisingly simple, making them an ideal project for even the busiest holiday bakers. Forget complex recipes and time-consuming techniques. Our approach uses a straightforward, incredibly moist vanilla cupcake base, topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting, and then crowned with whimsical decorations enclosed in clear ornament halves. It’s a creative twist that brings a touch of playful elegance to your holiday table, making them perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or even as delightful, handmade gifts.

This recipe transforms everyday baking into a magical experience. With just a few common pantry staples and a quick visit to your local craft or party supply store for the clear ornaments and festive embellishments, you’ll be well on your way to creating holiday desserts that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Get ready to impress your guests and spread some edible holiday cheer with these unique and memorable Christmas Cupcakes!

The Secret to Super Moist Christmas Cupcakes: Ingredients Breakdown

The foundation of any exceptional cupcake lies in its ingredients. For our Christmas Cupcakes, we’re not just following the box; we’re elevating it! We’ve carefully selected a combination of ingredients that ensure an incredibly moist, tender crumb and a rich, satisfying flavor profile that will have everyone reaching for a second mini cupcake. This approach ensures your homemade Christmas treats taste professionally made.

Essential Cupcake Batter Ingredients:

• Premium Cake Mix: While any good quality French Vanilla cake mix will work, we highly recommend Betty Crocker® Super Moist French Vanilla Cake Mix. Its inherent light vanilla flavor provides a perfect canvas for our festive additions, ensuring a consistently delicious result every time. The “super moist” designation isn’t just a marketing gimmick; it truly delivers on its promise when combined with our secret ingredients, making these Christmas cupcakes utterly irresistible.
• Eggs, Sour Cream, Oil, and Vanilla Extract: This quartet of ingredients is where we significantly deviate from standard box mix instructions to achieve unparalleled moisture and richness. Each component plays a crucial role:
  • Large Eggs: Provide structure and richness, contributing to the cake’s tender texture and helping it rise beautifully.
  • Full-Fat Sour Cream: This is a game-changer for moist cupcakes! Sour cream adds incredible moisture and a subtle tang that beautifully complements the vanilla, making the cupcakes unbelievably tender and flavorful. It’s essential for that “bakery-quality” texture we all crave in holiday baking.
  • Vegetable or Canola Oil: Unlike butter, which can make cakes denser, oil keeps the cupcakes wonderfully moist and light. It helps achieve a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth, perfectly complementing the rich frosting.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract: A generous tablespoon of good quality vanilla extract amplifies the natural flavor of the cake mix, infusing each bite with warm, aromatic sweetness that is quintessential for a classic vanilla cupcake, making it truly taste like Christmas.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (Unprepared): This is another secret weapon for extraordinary moisture and flavor, elevating your Christmas cupcakes beyond the ordinary. A small 3.4-ounce package of *instant* vanilla pudding mix (crucially, *not* cook-and-serve or sugar-free varieties) adds an incredible depth of vanilla flavor and works wonders in locking in moisture, resulting in a dense yet tender crumb. Ensure you use the smaller package, typically 3.4 oz, as larger ones can alter the batter consistency too much.
• Hot Water: Incorporating hot water helps to activate the ingredients quickly and ensures a smooth, well-blended batter. It contributes significantly to the final moist texture of your homemade Christmas cupcakes.
• Optional Coarsely Chopped White Chocolate: For an extra layer of decadence and a delightful textural contrast, stir in a cup of coarsely chopped white chocolate. As it bakes, the white chocolate melts slightly, creating pockets of creamy sweetness throughout the mini cupcakes, adding another dimension of holiday indulgence and visual appeal.

Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

No Christmas cupcake is complete without a velvety, irresistible frosting. Our cream cheese frosting is the perfect companion to the moist vanilla cupcakes, offering a balance of sweet and tangy flavors that truly elevates the entire dessert. It’s stable enough to pipe beautifully yet wonderfully creamy to eat, making it ideal for your snow globe creations.

• Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature): Starting with room temperature unsalted butter is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free frosting. It creams effortlessly with the cream cheese, creating a light and airy base that is easy to pipe and delightful to taste.
• Full-Fat, Brick-Style Cream Cheese (Room Temperature): Just like the butter, your cream cheese must be at room temperature. This ensures it blends seamlessly, preventing any lumps and contributing to that classic, rich cream cheese frosting texture. Avoid low-fat or whipped varieties, as they contain more water and less fat, which can result in a runny or less flavorful frosting, not ideal for festive decorating.
• Pure Vanilla Extract and a Pinch of Salt: These seemingly small additions play a huge role in perfecting the frosting for your Christmas cupcakes.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and provides a comforting, familiar aroma that pairs perfectly with the vanilla cupcakes.
  • Salt: A tiny pinch of salt is essential for balancing the sweetness of the powdered sugar and bringing out the tangy notes of the cream cheese, resulting in a perfectly harmonious flavor that prevents the frosting from being overly sweet.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): The main sweetener and thickening agent for our frosting. You can adjust the quantity to achieve your desired consistency and sweetness level. Add more for a stiffer, sweeter frosting, ideal for intricate piping and holding the snow globe domes, or less for a softer, tangier frosting that’s still perfect for spreading.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Your Magical Christmas Cupcakes

Creating these delightful Christmas Cupcakes is a joyous process that promises delicious rewards. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time, ensuring your snow globe treats are both beautiful and incredibly tasty.

Preparing the Cupcakes:

• Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Line a Mini Muffin Pan with festive mini paper liners. Using mini muffin liners makes for easy cleanup and perfectly sized, bite-sized treats ideal for holiday party platters.
• Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs, full-fat sour cream, vegetable or canola oil, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This forms the rich, moist base of your cupcake batter, contributing to its exceptional texture.
• Add Dry Mixes: Gradually incorporate the French vanilla cake mix and the instant vanilla pudding mix into the wet ingredients. Use a sturdy wooden spoon or a spatula to gently stir the mixture a few times. The goal is to just combine them without overmixing, which is crucial for tender cupcakes.
• Incorporate Hot Water and White Chocolate: Pour in the hot water and continue to stir until no dry streaks of flour or pudding mix remain. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough, dense cupcakes. If using, fold in the coarsely chopped white chocolate, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter for delightful pockets of creamy sweetness in every bite.
• Bake to Perfection: Spoon approximately 1 rounded tablespoon of batter into each prepared mini muffin cavity. Bake one tray at a time for 10-15 minutes. The cupcakes are perfectly baked when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Watch them carefully to avoid overbaking.
• Cool Completely: Allow the baked mini cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. It is crucial for the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting, otherwise, your beautiful cream cheese frosting will melt and slide right off, ruining your festive presentation!

Crafting the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using an electric hand mixer), cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and full-fat brick-style cream cheese until the mixture is incredibly smooth and light. This step is vital for a fluffy, lump-free frosting that is a joy to work with.
• Add Flavorings: Mix in the pure vanilla extract and the pinch of salt. These ingredients enhance the overall flavor profile, balancing the sweetness and tanginess of the cream cheese, creating a perfectly harmonious and addictive frosting.
• Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated and the frosting is smooth and creamy. Increase the speed slightly for the last minute to whip some air into the frosting, making it extra fluffy and ideal for piping. If the frosting seems too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or cream. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
• Optional Chill: For easier handling and piping, especially in warmer kitchens or if you desire more defined swirls, you can chill the prepared frosting for 15-25 minutes. This helps it firm up slightly, making piping neat designs much simpler and ensuring your snow globe domes stay securely in place.

Decorating Your Magical Snow Globe Christmas Cupcakes

This is where the real magic happens, transforming your delicious mini cupcakes into captivating snow globes! The visual appeal of these treats is immense, and it’s easier than you think to achieve. They are guaranteed to garner “oohs” and “aahs” from your guests, who will be convinced these festive delights came straight from a gourmet bakery!

• Frost with Finesse: Once your cupcakes are completely cool, transfer your luscious cream cheese frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip (like an Ateco 846 or a large open star tip). Pipe a generous swirl of frosting onto each cupcake, creating a lovely, elevated base for your decorations and the snow globe dome.
• Add Whimsical Royal Icing Decorations: These pre-made holiday-themed candy toppers are your secret weapon for instant charm and intricate details without any extra effort! Look for festive designs like mini reindeer, Santa Claus figures, Christmas trees, candy canes, or tiny gingerbread men. The ones featured in our photos are often readily available at stores like Target, craft stores, or specialty baking supply shops, making it easy to find charming embellishments. Simply place one or two of these adorable Royal Icing Decorations gently onto the piped frosting, creating a miniature holiday scene.
• Sprinkle the Snow: Enhance the “snow globe” effect with a sprinkle of delicate Snowflake Sprinkles or a dusting of fine edible glitter. For an even more realistic winter wonderland scene, you can use finely shredded coconut flakes to mimic fresh, fluffy snow drifting around your holiday figures.
• The Snow Globe Dome: The crowning glory that brings the entire concept to life! For the snow globe dome, you’ll need mini clear fillable ornaments, typically 5 cm in size. It’s essential to use ornaments that split perfectly in half. Carefully place one half of a clear plastic ornament ball over your decorated cupcake and gently press it into the frosting. This creates the illusion of a self-contained snow globe, making your Christmas cupcakes truly unique, mesmerizing, and utterly unforgettable. These Mini Clear Fillable Ornaments are readily available online or at craft stores during the holiday season.

Creative Variations and Holiday Tips for Your Christmas Cupcakes

While our vanilla snow globe cupcakes are undeniably delightful, don’t be afraid to experiment and personalize your Christmas treats! The holiday season is all about creativity and joy, so here are some ideas to inspire your festive baking and make these Christmas cupcakes uniquely yours:

• Flavor Twists:
  • Chocolate Christmas Cupcakes: For the chocolate lovers, use a chocolate cake mix and chocolate instant pudding mix. Top with classic cream cheese frosting, or add a hint of peppermint extract to your frosting for a classic holiday combination of chocolate and mint.
  • Red Velvet Snow Globes: A vibrant red velvet cake base with the classic tangy cream cheese frosting is stunningly festive, especially when paired with silver or gold sprinkles under the dome.
  • Gingerbread Spice: Infuse your cupcakes with warm holiday spices by adding a teaspoon of gingerbread spice (or a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves) to your vanilla cake mix. Alternatively, seek out a gingerbread cake mix and pair it with a spiced cinnamon cream cheese frosting for ultimate comfort.
• Frosting Flavors:
  • Peppermint Frosting: Add 1/2 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract to your cream cheese frosting for a cool, refreshing, and festive minty flavor that perfectly complements chocolate or vanilla.
  • Almond Extract: A delicate 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract can beautifully complement the vanilla base, adding a sophisticated depth of flavor.
  • Lemon Zest: For a brighter, more zesty frosting, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest. This unexpected twist can be a delightful contrast to the richness of the cupcake.
• Decoration Alternatives:
  • Edible Glitter: A light dusting of edible silver, gold, or iridescent glitter inside the snow globe dome adds an extra layer of sparkle and enchantment to your Christmas cupcakes.
  • Mini Marshmallows: Place tiny marshmallows around the base of your royal icing figures to mimic fluffy snowdrifts, creating a cozy winter scene.
  • Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle white or dark chocolate shavings around the base of your frosting before adding the dome for an elegant touch and added texture.
  • DIY Toppers: For the ambitious baker, try making your own small royal icing decorations or miniature fondant figures for a truly personalized touch.

Expert Tips for Holiday Baking Success:

• Don’t Overmix: This cannot be stressed enough! Overmixing the batter develops gluten, which can lead to tough, rubbery cupcakes. Mix until just combined and no dry streaks remain.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For both cupcakes and frosting, ensuring butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature is paramount for the best consistency and emulsification, resulting in a smooth batter and creamy frosting.
• Cool Completely: Patience is key in cupcake decorating! Frosting warm cupcakes will result in a messy, melted disaster as the frosting will simply slide off. Ensure your mini Christmas cupcakes are completely cool before applying any frosting.
• Storage: To maintain freshness and prevent your decorative elements from getting damaged, store iced cupcakes in a cool, dry place for up to 2 days, ensuring they are covered with a dome or container that allows the ornaments to remain intact. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For freezing, place iced cupcakes uncovered in the freezer until the frosting is firm (about 1-2 hours), then carefully wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and foil, or place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen cupcakes in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

More Enchanting Christmas Treats to Explore:

If you’re looking for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes to fill your holiday dessert table, here are some other fantastic festive treats from Chelsea’s Messy Apron that are sure to be a hit:

• Christmas Crack (Saltine Toffee) – An addictively sweet and salty delight!
• Christmas Donuts – Fun and festive, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
• White chocolate Christmas Snack Mix – A delicious blend of sweet and crunchy.
• Christmas Popcorn – A simple, yet irresistible holiday movie snack.
• Christmas Oreos – Easy to decorate and universally loved.

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5 from 1 vote

Christmas Cupcakes

By

Chelsea Lords

Christmas Cupcakes are festive, fun, and delicious—perfect for holiday gatherings as both dessert and decor!

Prep Time:

30
minutes

Cook Time:

15
minutes

Total Time:

45
minutes

Servings:

60
mini cupcakes

Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mini muffin pan lined
• Mini clear fillable ornaments

Ingredients

Batter

• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil or canola oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 (13.25-ounce) box Super Moist French Vanilla Cake Mix
• 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1 cup coarsely chopped white chocolate optional

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Decorations

• Royal icing decorations
• Snowflake sprinkles
• Mini clear fillable ornaments (5 cm size, splitting in half)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Line a mini muffin pan with paper liners.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
• Add the cake mix and instant pudding mix to the wet ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir a few times to partially combine.
• Pour in the hot water and stir until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix the batter. If using, fold in the coarsely chopped white chocolate until evenly distributed.
• Fill each mini muffin cavity with approximately 1 rounded tablespoon of batter. Bake one tray at a time for 10-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
• For the frosting, in a stand mixer, cream the room temperature unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth and light. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar on low speed until smooth and creamy. If desired, chill the frosting for 15-25 minutes for easier piping.
• Frost the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Gently place your chosen royal icing decorations and snowflake sprinkles onto the frosting.
• Carefully top each decorated cupcake with one half of a mini clear fillable ornament to create the enchanting snow globe effect.

Recipe Notes

Storage: To maintain freshness and prevent your decorative elements from getting damaged, store iced cupcakes in a cool, dry place for up to 2 days, ensuring they are covered. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For freezing, place iced cupcakes uncovered in the freezer until the frosting is firm (about 1-2 hours), then carefully wrap each cupcake individually or place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving:
1
serving

|

Calories:
122
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
14.2
g

|

Protein:
0.9
g

|

Fat:
6.9
g

|

Cholesterol:
17.1
mg

|

Sodium:
74.8
mg

|

Sugar:
11.8
g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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