If you love Christmas like I do, you’ll probably agree that decorations are a big part of the season. And what would Christmas be without all the goodies? For my family and I, this includes cupcake toppers. If we’re being honest, the tendency to overindulge in such sweets is more prevalent around the holidays, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! So, I hope you enjoy these imaginative and whimsical Christmas cupcake ideas, creating and eating them.
o Here’s a real time saver: It’s simple but fun, and your family, friends, and party guests will love it. Start with your favorite cupcake recipe, from scratch or otherwise – a dozen or more depending on quantity needed/desired. Generously cover with white icing, add shredded coconut, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and voila! Instant, mini-winter-wonderland in a delicious cup.
o These are great for parties all year long, and especially at Christmas. The idea is to create a miniature Christmas present on top of each cupcake. Use a variety of frosting colors; red licorice works well for your ribbons and/or bows. Add a small amount of sprinkles, if desired. (As with all of these ideas, creativity is key.) For place name cards, use gift tags. Your guests will love these wonderfully edible personalized place markers!
o Santa’s face was never so delicious: Top your favorite cupcakes, each with red frosting on one side and white on the other. Mini marshmallows separate the two colors, forming the brim of Santa’s hat. Carefully use chocolate brown or green icing to draw your face on the white icing side. Use small round candies for Santa’s facial features (eyes, nose, etc.). Thin strips of various edible treats (rolled fruit cut-outs, skinny licorice whips) work great for the merry leprechaun’s smile.
o These snowman cupcakes are sure to be a hit. The white frosting forms the base (or the snow on the “ground”). Top that with a large marshmallow, add a small one on top (get the picture?) A toothpick inserted vertically, through both marshmallows helps keep Frosty together. Use small candies (of your choice) for the eyes, nose, etc. – held in place with a bit of frosting. Try a small piece of Tootsie Roll for his hat. These snowmen probably won’t melt… but they won’t last long either!
o For this one, you’ll need about a dozen and a half cupcakes, and a suitably large party platter to hold them all. (We’re “building” a Christmas tree here, made of cupcakes.) Top all but four of your cupcakes with green frosting; the rest will be covered in brown chocolate. Simply place the four brown-top cakes on one end of the plate, in the shape of a tree trunk. Arrange your green cupcakes on top of the brown ones, in a triangle, forming the rest of your tree. As for decorations, have fun and don’t be shy: small chocolates (kisses, bells, and other shapes) are a must. Any and all colors of M&M’s are good; little candy canes, mints… you get the idea. As always, you can’t go wrong using shredded coconut for snow, and red licorice makes a great garland. Try tubes of gel icing, in a variety of colors, which can be found at most supermarkets (or party supply stores). You might want to take a few photos before they eat your “tree”.
Have fun making (and of course, eating) your Christmas cupcakes. Hopefully these will inspire you to come up with some of your delicious artistic creations.
