Easy Christmas Vanilla Cupcakes

These Easy Christmas Vanilla Cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and topped with festive buttercream frosting, making them the perfect holiday treat! They’re simple to make, lightly sweet with a rich vanilla flavor, and can be decorated with holiday sprinkles, candy canes, or festive colors for a magical Christmas dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft & fluffy texture – Moist vanilla cupcakes with a light crumb.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and no complicated steps.
• Perfect for decorating – Customize with holiday sprinkles, colored frosting, or candy.
• Kid-friendly & festive – A great recipe for Christmas parties & family baking fun.
• Make-ahead friendly – Stays fresh and freezes well for holiday prep!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Vanilla Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Christmas Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Red & green food coloring (optional)
• Holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or edible glitter (for decorating)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Mix in vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Fill cupcake liners ¾ full with batter.
2. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Buttercream Frosting

1. Beat butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until combined.
3. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, beating until fluffy.
4. If using food coloring, divide the frosting and mix in red and green.

Step 5: Decorate & Serve

1. Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
2. Garnish with holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or edible glitter.
3. Serve and enjoy these festive Christmas cupcakes!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Peppermint Vanilla Cupcakes – Add ½ tsp peppermint extract to the batter.
• Chocolate Vanilla Swirl – Swirl in 2 tbsp cocoa powder into half of the batter.
• Eggnog Frosting – Use eggnog instead of heavy cream in the frosting.
• Gingerbread Cupcakes – Add ½ tsp cinnamon and ¼ tsp ginger to the batter.

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw before decorating.

FAQs

Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! Use 1 ½ cups cake flour for an even softer texture.

How do I make the cupcakes extra moist?

Use room temperature ingredients and don’t overmix the batter.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, but homemade buttercream tastes much better!

How do I get perfectly even cupcakes?

Fill each liner ¾ full using an ice cream scoop for consistency.

What’s the best way to pipe frosting?

Use a large star tip for a bakery-style swirl.

Can I make mini cupcakes?

Yes! Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350°F.

How do I prevent cupcakes from sinking?

Make sure your baking powder is fresh, and don’t open the oven too soon.

What pairs well with these cupcakes?

Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or holiday punch!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost before serving.

How do I add a surprise filling?

Scoop out a small center and fill with jam, caramel, or chocolate ganache.

Conclusion

These Easy Christmas Vanilla Cupcakes are festive, fluffy, and full of holiday cheer! Whether you’re baking for Christmas parties, gift-giving, or a fun holiday treat, these cupcakes are simple, delicious, and sure to impress. Try them today and spread the holiday magic!

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