Christmas Tree Cupcakes

By davidv

Nothing shouts "holiday" quite like Christmas trees…and cupcakes. So why not combine them? Get the whole family to help decorate these distinct cupcakes and make it a season to remember!

Tip: If you're leery about using food dye, seek out natural food colorings, which are available at most supermarkets. These tend to lack the intensity of their artificial counterparts, so you may need to use more than normal.

Ingredients

• Cupcakes:
• 1 (16.5-oz) box red velvet cake mix
• Frosting:
• 1-1/2 lb unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1-1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 3 lb confectioners' sugar
• Green gel food coloring
• You will also need:
• Red or Christmas-themed cupcake liners
• Small, edible round sprinkles (to make ornaments)
• Small star candies or gold edible ball (to make the tree-topper)
• Additional confectioners' sugar, for decorating

Details

Servings 16
Adapted from qvc.co

Preparation

Step 1

To make the cupcakes, prepare the cake mix according to the package directions. Line 2 cupcake pans with liners and fill each cup 3/4 full with cake mix. Follow the box directions for the baking time and temperature. Let the cupcakes cool.

To prepare the frosting, add the butter, milk, vanilla, and confectioners' sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. On medium speed, mix until smooth. Add food coloring until you have a rich tree-like color.

To decorate, place the frosting in a pastry bag that has a large star piping tip. Pipe the frosting in a circular motion, starting around the edge of the cupcake and working in. (Pretend you're making a soft-serve ice cream cone.) Add the "ornaments" and then top each tree with a "gold star." For a snow effect, place additional confectioners' sugar in a small sifter, tea strainer, or sugar shaker, and dust the trees.