Go Back

Festive Christmas Cupcakes with Easy Holiday Buttercream

Moist, fluffy vanilla Christmas cupcakes topped with a smooth holiday buttercream and festive decorations.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cupcakes
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.25 tsp baking soda
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 eggs large
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp sour cream
Holiday Buttercream
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • red and green gel food coloring
  • holiday sprinkles for decoration

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with Christmas-themed liners.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
  4. Add dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.
  5. Fold in sour cream for a smooth batter.
  6. Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full and bake for 16–20 minutes. Cool completely.
  7. Beat softened butter for 3 minutes. Add powdered sugar gradually, then cream and vanilla.
  8. Divide frosting into bowls and tint red and green as desired.
  9. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes and decorate with sprinkles.

Notes

For multicolor swirls, add red, white, and green frosting to one piping bag side-by-side.