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Christmas Tree Cupcakes Recipe

4.7 from 99 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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