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Chocolate Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Moist chocolate cupcakes topped with festive green buttercream trees and holiday decorations.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Cupcakes
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 0.25 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup hot water or coffee
Christmas Tree Buttercream
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • green gel food coloring
  • holiday sprinkles
  • edible star toppers

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Piping bag and star tip

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
  2. Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
  4. Mix in hot water or coffee to thin the batter.
  5. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18–20 minutes.
  6. Beat butter for 3 minutes, add powdered sugar gradually.
  7. Add cream and vanilla; beat until fluffy, then tint green.
  8. Pipe tall tree-shaped swirls onto cooled cupcakes.
  9. Decorate with sprinkles and star toppers.

Notes

Chill cupcakes for 10 minutes before piping for best stability.