Santa Hat Cupcakes

Cooking Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually incorporate your dry ingredients, alternating with the whole milk, mixing until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cooling completely.
While the cupcakes cool, tint your buttercream frosting with red food coloring until you achieve a vibrant red hue.
Fill a piping bag with the red frosting using a star tip. Place the white frosting in a separate piping bag with a small round tip.
Pipe the red frosting in a tall swirl on each cupcake to create Santa’s hat.
Add a ring of white frosting at the base of the red swirl to mimic the trim of the hat.
Top off each cupcake with a mini marshmallow as the cute pom-pom.
Arrange your beautiful Santa Hat Cupcakes on a festive platter and watch them dazzle at your holiday celebrations!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Once your Santa Hat Cupcakes are prepared, they are perfect for any holiday gathering. Present them on a colorful platter garnished with festive decorations. Pair them with a hot cup of cocoa or a warm spiced chai for a cozy treat. They also make a fantastic centerpiece for holiday parties, as their eye-catching design is sure to be a conversation starter!

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

To store any leftovers, let the cupcakes cool completely, then place them in an airtight container at room temperature. Eat them within 3-4 days for the freshest taste. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze them! Freeze un-frosted cupcakes for up to two months—just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready, thaw at room temperature, then frost and decorate.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your Santa Hat Cupcakes shine:

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
Don’t overmix the cupcake batter; mix until just combined for a tender crumb.
Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant shade that won’t affect the cake’s consistency.
For an added pop of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter.

Creative Twists

Want to make your Santa Hat Cupcakes stand out even more? Try these fun variations:

Chocolate Base: Substitute some of the flour for cocoa powder for a rich chocolate cupcake.
Different Toppings: Instead of marshmallows, try using white chocolate truffles as the pom-pom.
Flavored Frosting: Experiment with flavored buttercream, like peppermint or orange, to add a unique twist.

Common Questions

Q: How long does it take to make Santa Hat Cupcakes?
A: From start to finish, you can expect to spend about 1.5 hours, including prep and baking time.

Q: Can I use a different type of frosting?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use cream cheese frosting or even a flavored whipped cream for a different taste.