Jolly Festive Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe for Christmas Magic

Sweet aromas of vanilla and holiday cheer dance through the kitchen when baking these festive christmas vanilla cupcakes recipe that sparkle with seasonal magic.

The delicate texture and rich flavor promise pure delight in every bite.

Soft, tender cupcakes adorned with festive decorations capture the warmth of Christmas celebrations.

Creamy frosting and delicate sprinkles transform these treats into edible works of art.

Each cupcake carries the spirit of joy and togetherness that defines the holiday season.

You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special.

These cupcakes are sure to become a cherished tradition at your holiday gatherings.

Serving Ideas For Easy Christmas Vanilla Cupcakes

• Holiday Party Platter: Arrange these festive cupcakes on a tiered serving stand with sparkling holiday decorations for a stunning dessert centerpiece.
• Christmas Cookie Companion: Pair these vanilla cupcakes alongside classic sugar cookies and gingerbread treats for a delightful holiday dessert spread.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Box individual cupcakes in clear holiday-themed containers with red ribbons for charming homemade gifts that spread Christmas cheer.
• Winter Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside warm hot chocolate, peppermint mocha, or spiced apple cider to complement the sweet vanilla flavor and festive mood.

How To Store And Plan Ahead For Easy Christmas Vanilla Cupcakes

• Cupcake Cooling Strategy: Remove cupcakes from muffin tin after 5 minutes to prevent soggy bottoms and ensure crisp edges.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to settle and maintain freshness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare unfrosted cupcakes 2 days before serving, keeping them in a sealed container at room temperature to maintain moisture and softness.
• Freezing Freedom: Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature before decorating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients Needed For Easy Christmas Vanilla Cupcakes

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure and ensures soft, tender cupcake texture. Choose unbleached flour for a more natural flavor.
• Baking Powder: Helps cupcakes rise and become light and airy. Check expiration date for maximum effectiveness.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness. Use fine table salt for even distribution.

• Butter: Creates rich, creamy base with smooth texture. Select unsalted butter for better flavor control.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create golden, tender crumb. Use granulated white sugar for consistent results.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure. Use room temperature eggs for smoother mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: Delivers classic, warm flavor. Choose pure vanilla extract for best taste.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend ingredients. Whole milk provides richer flavor.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, spreadable frosting. Sift to remove lumps for silky texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps achieve creamy consistency. Use chilled cream for better whipping.
• Additional Butter: Provides creamy base for frosting. Ensure butter is softened but not melted.

Tools For Easy Christmas Vanilla Cupcakes

• Muffin Tin: 12-cup standard size for perfect cupcake shapes.
• Cupcake Liners: Paper liners to prevent sticking and add festive look.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Two bowls for batter and frosting preparation.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: For dry ingredient mixing.
• Electric Mixer: Helps beat butter, sugar, and create fluffy frosting.
• Whisk: To combine dry ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: To scrape and mix batter evenly.
• Toothpick: To test cupcake doneness.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cupcakes to cool completely.
• Piping Bag and Tip (optional): For decorative frosting application.

Steps To Bake Easy Christmas Vanilla Cupcakes

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and grab a muffin tin, tucking in some cute cupcake liners.

• Create Magical Batter

Whisk together your dry ingredients in one bowl. In another, cream butter and sugar until they’re cloud-like and dreamy. Gently fold in eggs and vanilla, mixing smoothly. Gradually blend in dry ingredients and milk, stirring just until everything plays nicely together.

• Bake to Perfection

Scoop batter into your lined tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Pop into the oven and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, around 20 minutes. Let them rest briefly in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack.

• Whip Up Heavenly Frosting

Beat butter until silky smooth. Slowly incorporate powdered sugar, then splash in cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Whip everything into a fluffy cloud of deliciousness.

• Dress Up Your Cupcakes

Swirl or pipe frosting onto completely cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle with festive decorations like candy cane bits or colorful holiday sprinkles. Serve and watch faces light up with joy!

Tips For Decorating Easy Christmas Vanilla Cupcakes

• Festive Frosting Techniques: Swirl buttercream in red and green holiday colors for a cheerful Christmas look.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Bake cupcakes up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil and milk with almond milk for a lactose-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Flavor Twist: Add peppermint extract to the batter or frosting for a classic Christmas taste that'll wow your guests.

Festive Christmas Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Classic Christmas vanilla cupcakes offer festive cheer with delightful sweetness. Holiday bakers can create these simple treats, garnishing with peppermint or sprinkles for joyful seasonal celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1.5 tsps (7.5 ml) baking powder
• 0.25 tsp (1.25 ml) salt
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, softened
• 0.75 cup (180 ml) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (720 ml) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) heavy cream or milk
• 2 tsps (10 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt
• Red and green sprinkles
• Crushed candy canes
• Mini Christmas chocolates or toppers

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners, spacing them evenly.
2. Dry Ingredient Mixture: Thoroughly whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until completely blended.
3. Butter Mixture: Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base.
4. Egg Integration: Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a uniform batter consistency.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Gently stir in vanilla extract, distributing the aromatic essence throughout the mixture.
6. Batter Composition: Alternately fold dry ingredients and milk into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to maintain the batter’s delicate texture.
7. Baking Process: Fill cupcake liners three-quarters full and bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
8. Cooling Stage: Rest cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Buttercream Preparation: Beat butter until smooth, gradually adding powdered sugar on low speed to prevent sugar dispersion.
10. Frosting Finalization: Incorporate heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, whipping on high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
11. Decorative Touches: Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes with creative flair, finishing with Christmas sprinkles or candy cane garnishes.

Notes

• Control Moisture Carefully: Avoid overmixing batter to prevent dense, tough cupcakes; mix just until ingredients combine to maintain a tender, light crumb.
• Precise Temperature Matters: Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to ensure even mixing and consistent texture, promoting better rise and smoother batter.
• Check Baking Precision: Test cupcake doneness with a clean toothpick inserted into the center; any wet batter indicates more baking time is needed to achieve perfect texture.
• Customize Frosting Flexibility: Experiment with flavor variations by adding peppermint extract, orange zest, or food coloring to create unique holiday-themed buttercream without compromising the base recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg