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Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes with Chocolate and Buttercream

Moist chocolate cupcakes topped with tall green buttercream swirls decorated like Christmas trees.
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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: 310
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 for decoration
  • 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. Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
  4. Add hot water or coffee and mix again. Batter will be thin.
  5. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake 18–20 minutes.
  6. Beat butter for 3 minutes, then add powdered sugar gradually.
  7. Add cream and vanilla; beat until fluffy, then tint green.
  8. Pipe tall buttercream swirls resembling Christmas trees.
  9. Decorate with sprinkles and star toppers.

Notes

For stable buttercream, add 1 extra tablespoon powdered sugar if needed.