Name: Christmas Light Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting); 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting); Black decorating gel; Mini M&Ms or colorful round candies; Optional holiday sprinkles

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When it comes to pure festive fun on the dessert table, nothing gets more attention than Christmas Light Cupcakes. These charming treats capture the magic of the holidays with their colorful candy “lights” and playful designs, all sitting atop a fluffy, tender vanilla cupcake base. Whether you’re baking with kids, looking for a show-stopping contribution for a party, or simply want to bring extra cheer to your own kitchen, these cupcakes are guaranteed to make spirits bright!

Christmas Light Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves that you don’t need complex ingredients to create something truly special. Each item plays a key role, from ensuring the cupcakes are moist, to making the decorations vibrant and irresistible.

All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cupcakes while keeping them tender and light.
Baking powder: Ensures a beautiful rise, resulting in perfectly fluffy cupcakes every time.
Salt: Enhances the other flavors so the sweetness really pops.
Unsalted butter (softened): Provides rich flavor and a moist crumb—don’t skip using the real thing here.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes without making them too heavy.
Large eggs: Binds the batter together and adds richness for a soft, dreamy texture.
Vanilla extract: Delivers that classic, cozy cupcake flavor in both the cake and the frosting.
Whole milk: Keeps the cupcake crumb moist and soft, adding just the right richness.
Sour cream: The secret to tender, bakery-style cupcakes that never turn out dry.
Unsalted butter (for frosting): The base for a creamy, decadent topping everyone will fight over.
Powdered sugar: Whips up into a silky frosting that’s just the right level of sweet.
Milk (for frosting): Loosens the frosting to the perfect spreading consistency.
Vanilla extract (for frosting): Rounds out the flavor of the buttercream with warm, sweet notes.
Black decorating gel: Creates the classic string “wires” on your Christmas lights for that festive finishing touch.
Mini M&M’s or colorful round candies: Perfect for creating those adorable, eye-catching light bulbs. Kids will love helping with this step!
Optional holiday sprinkles: Add extra sparkle and personality to your cupcakes—feel free to go wild here!

How to Make Christmas Light Cupcakes

Step 1: Prep Your Cupcake Tin and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with festive cupcake liners. Getting everything ready ahead of time makes the whole process easier and lets you focus on having fun with the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until fully combined. This ensures every cupcake will rise evenly and have that signature soft crumb.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This step is crucial for getting a light, tender cupcake base that everyone will rave about.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract next. The mixture should look satiny and smooth—these steps lay the foundation for flavorful, bakery-style cupcakes.

Step 5: Incorporate Milk and Sour Cream

In a separate bowl or measuring cup, stir the milk and sour cream together. This adds incredible moisture and tangy flavor, keeping the cupcakes perfectly soft.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture in three stages, alternating with the milk-and-sour-cream mixture. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Stir just until everything is incorporated—no over-mixing, or you’ll lose that plush texture!

Step 7: Fill and Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the finished batter evenly among your lined cupcake cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let your Christmas Light Cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 8: Make the Buttercream Frosting

Beat the remaining unsalted butter until creamy and pale. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then the milk and vanilla, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. The payoff is a cloud-like topping you’ll want to eat straight from the bowl!

Step 9: Decorate Your Christmas Light Cupcakes

Frost each cooled cupcake generously, smoothing the top. Use black decorating gel to pipe curved lines (your “wires”) across the icing. Press mini M&M’s or colorful round candies along the lines to create twinkling light bulbs. Add holiday sprinkles for extra personality—this is where you can be as creative as you like!

How to Serve Christmas Light Cupcakes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of holiday-themed confetti or a dusting of edible glitter can take these cupcakes over the top. Try adding a tiny fondant bow or star for a sweet, customized touch that’ll have guests reaching for their cameras before their first bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your Christmas Light Cupcakes with mugs of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a festive punch. If you’re hosting a party, a platter of fresh berries or a fruit salad adds a pop of refreshing contrast to the sweet cupcakes.

Creative Ways to Present

Display your cupcakes on a tiered cake stand with twinkle lights strung around the edges. You can also arrange them in the shape of a Christmas tree, or present them in decorative holiday boxes for the perfect edible gift. No matter how you serve them, Christmas Light Cupcakes are sure to light up the room!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any cupcakes left (good luck!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To prevent the decorating gel from smudging, make sure they aren’t packed too tightly together.

Freezing

Cupcakes freeze beautifully before decorating! Simply wrap cooled, unfrosted cupcakes in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature, then decorate when ready to serve.

Reheating

For cupcakes that have been frozen, let them thaw completely before frosting and decorating. If you want to restore a just-baked flavor, you can unwrap and warm the unfrosted cupcakes in the microwave for 5–10 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use a cake mix for these cupcakes?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a boxed vanilla cake mix works beautifully as a shortcut. Decorate as described and no one will know you didn’t make them entirely from scratch.

What can I use instead of mini M&M’s?

You can use any small round colorful candies, such as Sixlets, Skittles, or even jelly beans. Feel free to get creative with your “lights” to match your holiday color scheme!

How do I prevent the black decorating gel from smudging?

Once you’ve piped the gel, allow it to set for 5–10 minutes before transporting or boxing up your cupcakes. Store them in a cool spot and avoid stacking them to keep the string of lights crisp.

Can I make these Christmas Light Cupcakes gluten free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free baking blend. The recipe stays the same, and you’ll still get fluffy, delicious results every time.

How far in advance can I decorate these cupcakes?

It’s best to decorate your Christmas Light Cupcakes the day you plan to serve them, but they’ll hold up for up to 24 hours if stored properly. Just keep them covered and out of the fridge, if possible, to prevent the decorations from bleeding or getting sticky.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Christmas Light Cupcakes is like bottling holiday spirit—colorful, bright, and guaranteed to make everyone smile. Gather your friends or family and make these festive treats together; they’re every bit as fun to create as they are to eat. Happy holiday baking!

Christmas Light Cupcakes Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Christmas Light Cupcakes are a festive and delightful treat perfect for holiday parties or baking with kids. Moist vanilla cupcakes topped with creamy frosting, decorated to look like colorful Christmas lights.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcake Batter:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup sour cream

Frosting and Decorations:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Black decorating gel
Mini M&Ms or colorful round candies
Optional holiday sprinkles

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Instructions

Prepare Cupcake Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Combine milk and sour cream in a separate bowl. Mix dry and wet ingredients alternately into the butter mixture. Divide batter into liners and bake for 18–20 minutes. Let cool.
Make Frosting and Decorate: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating until smooth. Frost cupcakes. Pipe black gel in curved lines on top, then place candies along the lines. Add sprinkles if desired.