The Jolliest Easy Christmas Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe for Festive Joy

Sweet memories often sparkle with these delightful christmas vanilla cupcakes that remind me of childhood winter afternoons.

My grandmother taught me her cherished baking secrets decades ago.

Festive sprinkles and soft, fluffy textures make these treats irresistible for holiday gatherings.

Delicate vanilla notes dance through each tender bite, creating moments of pure comfort.

Simple ingredients from your pantry transform into magical miniature desserts that everyone will adore.

Soft peaks of creamy frosting crown these delectable little cakes, promising joy in every mouthful.

Baking these cupcakes becomes a delightful celebration of warmth and togetherness.

Grab your mixing bowl and let the festive baking magic begin!

Why Easy Christmas Vanilla Cupcakes Make Spirits Bright

• Whip Up Holiday Cheer: These vanilla cupcakes deliver festive joy with minimal effort, perfect for busy home bakers wanting to create magical Christmas treats without complicated techniques.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: The entire recipe takes less than an hour from start to finish, making it ideal for last-minute dessert needs or spontaneous baking sessions with kids or friends.
• Customize with Festive Flair: Simple vanilla base allows endless decoration possibilities, letting you transform plain cupcakes into stunning Christmas masterpieces using sprinkles, candy canes, or creative frosting designs.
• Family-Friendly Baking Adventure: Straightforward ingredients and easy steps make this recipe welcoming for bakers of all skill levels, turning cupcake making into a delightful shared experience that brings everyone together during holiday celebrations.

Easy Vanilla Cupcakes Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: The essential foundation for soft and tender cupcake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a light, tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a smooth, creamy base.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the cupcakes.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Delivers classic sweet flavor and aromatic depth.
• Heavy Cream: Creates ultra-smooth and creamy frosting texture.

• Baking Powder: Helps cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet frosting with perfect piping consistency.

• Christmas Sprinkles, Crushed Candy Canes, Red & Green Frosting: Festive toppings for holiday charm and visual appeal.

Simple Steps For Holiday Vanilla Cupcakes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab your muffin tin and line it with adorable cupcake liners that sparkle with holiday cheer.

Step 2: Create the Cupcake Magic

Grab two mixing bowls and let’s get started:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these together until they’re perfectly blended.

• Softened butter
• Sugar

Beat these until they transform into a fluffy cloud. This is where the magic begins!

Add eggs one by one, giving each a little dance with the mixer. Pour in the vanilla extract and watch the mixture come alive.

Now, gently fold in your dry ingredients and milk, alternating between the two. Mix just until everything hugs together – no overmixing allowed!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Carefully spoon the batter into your waiting cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Pop them into the preheated oven and let them bake for 18-22 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick comes out clean and they look golden and proud.

Let the cupcakes rest in the pan for a quick 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to chill out completely.

Step 4: Whip Up Dreamy Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the butter until it’s smooth as silk. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Splash in some heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whip it all up on high speed until the frosting becomes light and fluffy like fresh snow.

Step 5: Decorate with Holiday Cheer

• Colorful holiday sprinkles
• Crushed candy canes
• Red and green frosting swirls

Let your inner artist shine!

Serve these magical cupcakes to your loved ones and watch their faces light up with joy. Happy baking!

Tips For Fluffy And Festive Cupcakes

• Measure Precisely: Use standard measuring cups and spoons for accurate flour, sugar, and milk quantities to ensure consistent cupcake texture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and milk to reach room temperature before mixing to create smoother, more evenly blended batter.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense cupcakes.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick at a slight angle into the cupcake center; if it comes out clean with minimal crumbs, the cupcakes are perfectly baked.
• Customize Christmas Flair: Experiment with festive decorations like edible glitter, mini candy cane pieces, or red and green buttercream swirls to make your cupcakes extra holiday-special.

Store Your Cupcakes To Keep Them Fresh

• Preserve your delightful Christmas vanilla cupcakes with care.
• Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate for extended freshness, keeping them covered for 3-4 days.
• Protect the delicate frosting by placing a layer of plastic wrap gently over the top before sealing the container.
• When ready to serve, let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to restore their soft, tender texture.
• Avoid freezing decorated cupcakes, but unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for best results.
• Thaw frozen cupcakes overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Frostings And Treats That Pair Well

• Brew Festive Coffee Companions: Pair these vanilla cupcakes with a warm, spiced Christmas blend coffee that complements the sweet vanilla notes and adds a cozy holiday touch.
• Match with Merry Milk Options: Serve alongside cold whole milk or a creamy eggnog for a classic dessert combination that enhances the cupcake's rich, sweet flavor profile.
• Create Cocoa Comfort Pairing: Offer a rich hot chocolate with marshmallows or whipped cream to balance the cupcake's sweetness and create a delightful winter dessert experience.
• Explore Dessert Wine Delight: Consider a light, sweet dessert wine like moscato or a cream sherry that will harmonize with the vanilla's delicate flavor and buttercream frosting.

Vanilla Cupcake Holiday Variations

• Festive Peppermint Punch: Replace vanilla extract with peppermint extract in the cupcake batter. Top frosted cupcakes with crushed candy canes for a cool, minty Christmas flavor that sparkles with holiday spirit.
• Gingerbread Spice Edition: Mix ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves into the dry ingredients. Add molasses to the wet ingredients for a warm, rich gingerbread-inspired cupcake that captures traditional holiday warmth.
• Chocolate Peppermint Swirl: Swap 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate base. Drizzle melted white chocolate and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a decadent festive treat that looks as good as it tastes.
• Eggnog Inspired Version: Replace milk with store-bought eggnog in the recipe. Add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter and frosting for a cupcake that celebrates the classic holiday beverage with creamy, nostalgic flavors.

Vanilla Cupcake FAQs Just For You

• What makes these Christmas Vanilla Cupcakes special?

These cupcakes capture the festive holiday spirit with their classic vanilla flavor and cheerful decorations. The soft, tender crumb and creamy buttercream frosting make them a perfect treat for Christmas gatherings and family celebrations.

• Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes 1-2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving to keep the decorations fresh and beautiful. This makes party prep much easier during the busy holiday season.

• How do I get the most fluffy and light cupcake texture?

The key is to not overmix the batter. Gently combine ingredients until just mixed, and be careful not to overmix after adding flour. This keeps the cupcakes tender and prevents them from becoming dense or tough.

• What are some fun ways to decorate these Christmas cupcakes?

Get creative with holiday-themed sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or piped frosting in festive red and green colors. You can also add small edible decorations like sugar pearls or mini chocolate ornaments to make them extra special.

Easy Christmas Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas vanilla cupcakes bring holiday cheer with their sweet, nostalgic flavor. Delicate frosting and cheerful sprinkles create a merry dessert perfect for celebrating winter’s most magical season with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup whole milk

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Frosting and Decoration Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt
• Red and green sprinkles
• Crushed candy canes
• Mini Christmas chocolates or toppers

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and arrange cupcake liners in a 12-cup muffin tin, ensuring even spacing.
2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl until fully integrated.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer, transforming the mixture into a light, airy consistency through vigorous beating.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter-sugar blend, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.
5. Infuse the batter with vanilla extract, stirring gently to distribute the aromatic flavor throughout the mixture.
6. Gradually fold dry ingredients and milk into the wet mixture, alternating between the two and mixing until just combined to preserve the batter’s delicate structure.
7. Distribute the batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each approximately three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
8. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
9. Allow cupcakes to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.
10. Prepare the buttercream by beating butter until smooth and creamy in a large mixing bowl.
11. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, mixing on low speed and incorporating one cup at a time to prevent cloud-like sugar dust.
12. Enhance the frosting by adding heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then whip on high speed for 2-3 minutes until achieving a light, fluffy consistency.
13. Adorn the cooled cupcakes by piping or spreading frosting with artistic flair.
14. Complete the festive presentation by garnishing with Christmas sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or creating red and green frosting swirls.
15. Serve and savor the delightful holiday treats.

Notes

• Swap out all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring the same tender crumb and delightful texture.
• Use dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter to create a plant-based version that’s just as moist and delectable.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie option without compromising the cupcakes’ classic vanilla flavor.
• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to help create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter that results in perfectly light and fluffy cupcakes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 276
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 116 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg