Homemade Vanilla Christmas Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday dessert that’s both elegant and easy, these Homemade Vanilla Christmas Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting are about to become your new December favorite. Soft, fluffy, and filled with classic vanilla flavor, these cupcakes are a festive treat that feel equally at home on a Christmas dessert table, in a holiday gift box, or at a cozy winter gathering.

They’re simple to make, beautiful to look at, and endlessly customizable with seasonal colors and decorations. Whether you prefer snowy white swirls, pastel Christmas tones, or bold red and green, these cupcakes adapt to every style. And because the base is a classic vanilla cupcake, they pair perfectly with a wide range of holiday toppings—from sprinkles and sugar pearls to edible glitter, homemade fondant toppers, candy canes, or miniature gingerbread cookies.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to create bakery-style vanilla cupcakes, whip up the perfect fluffy buttercream, decorate with stunning holiday flair, and store them so they remain soft and delicious from the moment they leave the oven.

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Why These Vanilla Christmas Cupcakes Are Perfect for the Holidays

1. Soft, Moist Vanilla Cupcakes

Only simple pantry ingredients needed — tender, fluffy crumb every time.

2. The Perfect Buttercream Frosting

Smooth, creamy, and pipes beautifully into tall Christmas swirls.

3. Gorgeous Festive Decorations

Holiday sprinkles, edible glitter, Christmas toppers, candy canes — endless options.

4. Beginner-Friendly Recipe

No special equipment needed except a piping bag and tip.

5. Great for Kids & Parties

Individual servings make them easy to share.

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Ingredients

Vanilla Cupcakes

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: ½ tsp almond extract for extra holiday flavor

Vanilla Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: food coloring (red, green, or pastel Christmas colors)

Decoration

• Holiday sprinkles
• Edible pearls
• Snowflake sprinkles
• Edible glitter
• Mini Christmas toppers or candy canes

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Instructions

Make the Vanilla Cupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly (reverse-creaming method).
4. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla. Mix until just combined.
5. Fill cupcake liners ⅔ full.
6. Bake 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool completely before frosting.

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Make the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

1. Beat butter for 3 minutes until smooth and pale.
2. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low.
3. Add vanilla and 2 tablespoons cream. Beat until fluffy.
4. Add more cream if needed.
5. Tint frosting with holiday colors, or leave white for a snowy look.

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Decorate the Christmas Cupcakes

1. Fit a piping bag with a star or round tip.
2. Pipe tall swirls onto fully cooled cupcakes.
3. Add festive sprinkles, pearls, or glitter.
4. Insert mini Christmas toppers if desired.
5. Serve immediately or chill 10 minutes for firmer frosting.

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Holiday Decoration Ideas

❄️ Snowy Winter Cupcakes

White frosting + silver pearls + snowflake sprinkles.

🎄 Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Tint frosting green + star topper + holiday sprinkles.

❤️ Red & Green Swirl Cupcakes

Split frosting in two colors → pipe swirl effect.

🍭 Candy Cane Cupcakes

Crushed candy canes sprinkled on top.

⭐ Elegant Gold Christmas Cupcakes

White frosting + gold pearls + edible gold shimmer.

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Expert Tips for Perfect Cupcakes

• Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing.
• Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense cupcakes.
• Chill cupcakes before piping for taller swirls.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant holiday colors.
• Add decorations immediately before buttercream sets.

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Serving Ideas

Serve these cupcakes at:

• Christmas dinner
• School holiday parties
• Christmas morning brunch
• Winter birthday celebrations
• Cookie exchanges
• Office holiday gatherings

They also make beautiful edible gifts wrapped in clear treat boxes.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temp:

Up to 6 hours (frosting-safe).

Refrigerator:

Store airtight for 3–4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for 2 months.