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Cupcake Christmas Ideas • Vanilla Cupcakes With Candy Canes

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Christmas Light Cupcakes are soft, festive, and topped with colorful candy “lights” strung across a swirl of frosting “wires” — perfect for parties, kids’ activities, and holiday dessert tables.

Ingredients

Scale

Vanilla Cupcake Base:

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1½ tsp baking powder

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ½ cup whole milk

Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 3 cups powdered sugar

  • 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Black gel food coloring (or use chocolate frosting)

Decoration:

  • Mini M&Ms or colorful chocolate candies

  • Optional: sanding sugar, edible glitter, licorice strings

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with paper liners.

  • Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.

  • Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to wet mix alternately with milk.

  • Fill liners ¾ full. Bake 18–22 minutes. Cool completely.

  • Beat buttercream ingredients until light and fluffy. Tint with black gel coloring.

  • Frost cupcakes and pipe a “wire” design.

  • Add candy “lights” along the line. Let set before serving.

Notes

Customize flavors and candy colors. Make ahead for stress-free holiday prep. Store at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5.

Find it online: https://foodemily.com/cupcake-christmas-ideas-vanilla-cupcakes-with-candy-canes/