Go Back
Santa Hat Cupcakes recipe

Santa Hat Cupcakes

Stars Cake Editorial
These Santa Hat Cupcakes are a delightful and festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings. With their vibrant red and white finish, they capture the spirit of Christmas while providing a delicious, kid-friendly dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 cupcakes
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 muffin tin lined with paper liners
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 Mixing Bowl large

Ingredients
  

Cupcake Batter

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup milk

Frosting

  • 3 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tbsp milk
  • Red food coloring

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk, until well combined.
  • Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about two-thirds full.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • In a medium bowl, beat the confectioners' sugar, butter, and vanilla extract together. Add milk gradually until desired consistency is reached. Divide frosting and tint one portion red.
  • Using a piping bag, pipe red frosting in a swirl on each cupcake to form Santa's hat. Add white frosting around the base and a small dot on top as the pom-pom.

Serving

  • Arrange the decorated cupcakes on a festive platter and serve as part of your holiday dessert selection.

Storage

  • Place any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors. Chill frosting for better piping results.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute almond extract for a different flavor.
How to Serve: Pair with hot cocoa or eggnog for a festive treat.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Make-Ahead Tips: Bake cupcakes a day in advance and decorate before serving.
Keyword Christmas Desserts, holiday cupcakes, Santa Hat Cupcakes