Christmas Tree Cupcakes Recipe

Introduction

Celebrate the season with these charming Christmas Tree Cupcakes. They combine classic vanilla flavor with festive decorations that bring holiday cheer to any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 box (13.25 oz) vanilla cake mix, plus ingredients listed on the box
• 16 oz canned vanilla frosting
• 12 oz green melting wafers
• 24 pretzel sticks
• 2 cups shredded coconut
• ½ cup mini M&M’s
• 12 edible star sprinkles

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the cake batter according to the package directions. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners, divide the batter evenly, and bake as directed. Let the cupcakes cool completely before decorating.
2. Step 2: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place two pretzel sticks side by side to create the “trunk” of each tree.
3. Step 3: Melt the green candy wafers following the package instructions. Transfer the melted candy to a piping bag or a zip-top bag.
4. Step 4: Pipe the melted candy in a zigzag triangle shape over each pair of pretzel sticks, adding extra chocolate where the sticks meet so the trunk stays sturdy.
5. Step 5: While the candy is still wet, decorate the trees with mini M&M’s and a star sprinkle on top. Allow them to set until firm.
6. Step 6: Frost the cooled cupcakes with vanilla frosting, then dip the tops into shredded coconut to resemble snowy ground.
7. Step 7: Once the pretzel trees are completely set, gently press one into the center of each cupcake.

Tips & Variations

• Use different colored melting wafers to create unique tree decorations or themes.
• Substitute mini chocolate chips for mini M&M’s if preferred.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cake mix and pretzel sticks.
• To make the trees more stable, allow the melted candy to cool slightly before piping.

Storage

Store the decorated cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 4 days, but bring to room temperature before serving. Avoid storing in humid conditions to keep the candy trees firm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the pretzel trees ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pretzel trees a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to use.

What if I don’t have a piping bag?

You can use a zip-top plastic bag, cutting a small corner to pipe the melted candy. This works just as well for shaping the trees.

Christmas Tree Cupcakes Recipe

Print Recipe

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Create festive and delightful Christmas Tree Cupcakes perfect for holiday celebrations. These vanilla cupcakes are topped with fluffy frosting and snowy coconut, decorated with charming pretzel stick trees coated in green candy melts and adorned with colorful mini M&M’s and star sprinkles for a whimsical winter touch.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 1 box (13.25 oz) vanilla cake mix, plus ingredients listed on the box

Frosting

• 16 oz canned vanilla frosting

Decorations

• 12 oz green melting wafers
• 24 pretzel sticks
• 2 cups shredded coconut
• ½ cup mini M&M’s
• 12 edible star sprinkles

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cupcakes: Follow the vanilla cake mix package instructions to prepare the batter. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners, divide the batter evenly among the cups, and bake as directed. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before decorating.
2. Create Pretzel Tree Trunks: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place two pretzel sticks side by side to form the trunk of each Christmas tree.
3. Melt and Pipe Green Candy: Melt the green candy wafers according to the package directions. Transfer the melted candy to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a tip cut off. Pipe the melted candy over the paired pretzels in a zigzag triangle shape, forming the tree branches. Add extra candy where the pretzel sticks meet to secure the trunk firmly.
4. Decorate the Trees: While the green candy is still wet, sprinkle mini M&M’s on the trees and place a star sprinkle at the top. Allow the candy to set completely until firm.
5. Frost and Snow the Cupcakes: Spread a generous layer of vanilla frosting over the cooled cupcakes. Immediately dip the frosted tops into shredded coconut to create a snowy ground effect.
6. Assemble the Cupcakes: Once the pretzel Christmas trees have hardened, gently press one tree into the center of each frosted cupcake to complete the festive look.

Notes

• Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
• Use a sturdy pretzel stick for the tree trunk, and pipe enough candy to hold the structure firmly.
• Green candy melts can be substituted with green-colored white chocolate if preferred.
• Shredded coconut mimics snow but can be omitted or replaced with powdered sugar dusting for a different effect.
• Store assembled cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Christmas cupcakes, holiday desserts, vanilla cupcakes, festive treats, Christmas tree cupcakes, holiday baking, cupcake decorations