Save A whimsical and festive dessert centerpiece featuring cupcakes topped with colorful elf hat decorations—perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
I love making this recipe as it delights both kids and adults with its colorful elf hat cupcakes and makes holiday parties extra special.
Ingredients
- Cupcakes: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter softened, 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- Buttercream Frosting: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar sifted, 2-3 tbsp (30-45 ml) milk, 2 tsp vanilla extract, Gel food coloring (red, green, yellow, blue)
- Elf Hat Decorations: 24 sugar cones (for hats), Colored fondant or modeling chocolate (red, green, yellow, white), Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional), Mini marshmallows or white chocolate chips (for hat pom-poms), Piping gel or melted white chocolate (for attaching decorations)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 12-cup muffin pans with cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Fill and Bake:
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners (about 2/3 full). Bake 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Prepare Buttercream:
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in vanilla and milk, beating until fluffy. Divide and tint with gel food coloring as desired.
- Frost Cupcakes:
- Frost cooled cupcakes with a swirl of buttercream, using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
- Make Elf Hats:
- Cover each sugar cone with colored fondant or modeling chocolate. Add fondant details (stripes, dots, hat brims). Attach a mini marshmallow or white chocolate chip to the tip with piping gel or melted chocolate. Optionally, add edible glitter or sprinkles.
- Decorate Cupcakes:
- Place an elf hat on each frosted cupcake, pressing gently to secure.
- Assemble Tower:
- Arrange cupcakes on a tiered cupcake stand to create a tower effect.
Save This recipe has brought my family together every holiday, sparking joy and creativity as we decorate and enjoy these whimsical cupcakes.
Notes
Try different cupcake flavors (chocolate, spice, red velvet) for variety. Use pre-made fondant for easier decorating. Pair with hot chocolate, mulled wine, or sparkling cider for a festive treat.
Required Tools
Muffin pans, cupcake liners, mixing bowls, electric mixer, piping bags and tips, offset spatula, rolling pin (for fondant), cupcake tower or stand.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and possibly tree nuts (if using nut-based fondant or decorations). Always check labels on all decorations and fondant for potential allergens.
Save This recipe adds a magical touch to any holiday celebration and is sure to impress your guests with its festive look and delicious taste.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I make the elf hats stay on the cupcakes?
Secure the sugar cone hats by attaching them to the frosting with a bit of piping gel or melted white chocolate, gently pressing to hold them in place.
- → Can I use different cupcake flavors for this tower?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with chocolate, spice, or red velvet cupcakes to add variety and personalized taste.
- → What is the best way to color the buttercream frosting?
Use gel food coloring to tint the buttercream in vibrant shades. Gel colors provide intense hues without altering frosting consistency.
- → How should I store cupcakes before assembling the tower?
Keep cupcakes in an airtight container without the hats for up to 2 days, assembling decorations just before serving to maintain freshness and appearance.
- → Are there any tip for easier fondant decorating?
Use pre-made fondant for convenience, and a rolling pin to evenly shape details. Work quickly to avoid drying out the fondant.