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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and arrange cupcake liners in a 12-cup muffin tin, ensuring even spacing.
- Create a dry ingredient foundation by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl until fully integrated.
- In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer, transforming the mixture into a light, airy consistency through vigorous beating.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter-sugar blend, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.
- Infuse the batter with vanilla extract, stirring gently to distribute the aromatic flavor throughout the mixture.
- 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.
- Distribute the batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each approximately three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
- Allow cupcakes to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.
- Prepare the buttercream by beating butter until smooth and creamy in a large mixing bowl.
- Gradually introduce powdered sugar, mixing on low speed and incorporating one cup at a time to prevent cloud-like sugar dust.
- 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.
- Adorn the cooled cupcakes by piping or spreading frosting with artistic flair.
- Complete the festive presentation by garnishing with Christmas sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or creating red and green frosting swirls.
- 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