Christmas Wreath Cupcakes are fluffy vanilla cupcakes topped with a swirl of creamy vanilla buttercream and finished with an edible wreath made with green icing and candy. How fun are these?!!
This easy recipe is a great way to add a sparkle to your holiday dessert table.
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What makes this recipe irresistible
These cupcakes are a holiday must-have, combining simple ingredients with unbeatable flavor. They're incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for all your festive celebrations!
What makes them truly special? They're a fun and delicious way to create memories with your loved ones! Let the kids join the fun by sprinkling on colorful decorations, turning baking into a cherished family tradition.
With their festive look they will be the talk of your holiday party, plus they taste great!
Turn cupcakes into Christmas Wreaths
Watch this fun home video and see how easy these are to make!
Holiday Wreath Christmas Cupcakes
Equipment
- 24 holiday cupcake liners
- 1 piping bag
- 1 star tips for decorating
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce box vanilla cake mix + ingredients the box calls for to make the cupcakes eggs, water, oil
- 1 cup butter softened
- 2 pounds powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- 2-3 tablespoons cream or whole milk
- green food coloring
- multi-colored candies or sprinkles
Instructions
- Line the muffin tin with 24 cupcake liners. Preheat oven according to package instructions.
- Follow the package instructions and bake the cupcakes. Remove the cupcakes from the muffin tin and allow them to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, powdered sugar milk and vanilla. Using a stand or electric mixer, beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Place ⅓ of the frosting in a bowl, set aside.
- To the remaining buttercream frostring, add 2 to 3 drops of green food coloring and continue to beat until evenly tinted. Transfer the green frosting into a piping bag.
- Start by covering the top of the cupcake with white buttercream. Then using the green frosting, carefully dot around the circumference of each cupcake to making one or two rows.
- Place candies and pretty sprinkles around the "wreaths" to resemble pretty holiday wreaths.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
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Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card for the exact measurements.
Variations
- Change up the flavor of your cupcakes by using a chocolate cake mix, or even a red velvet cake mix for a chocolate cupcake base.
- Feel free to get creative with the toppings for your wreath, I used red twizlers to make the bow. You could also use a small dollop of red frosting or candy bows.
- There are so many different ways to add additional decoration to your wreaths. Holly-shaped sprinkles, silver or gold balls, also a sprinkle of sanding sugar for a little sparkle will look great and create a variety of textures on your cupcakes. Have fun with it!
Step-by-step instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll to the recipe card.
Essential tools for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
I've found the best way to design the wreath is to pipe one or two circles of frosting in the shape of a wreath on top of the cupcake. Also, you can use any tip to get the shape you like. A small star tip or a leaf tip works great.
You can use any type of food coloring that you have on hand. A liquid food coloring may thin your frosting a bit so watch the consistency as you mix it. I prefer using gel food coloring for this recipe.
When you can insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake and it comes out clean, it's done!
Deb's tips for the perfect dish
Don't have a piping bag? No problem! Snip off the tip of the corner of a large Ziplock bag. Add the piping tip. Next add the frosting and squeeze it down into one corner.
- Don't overmix your cupcake batter, you want to mix it until it's just combined, Never mix it for more than two minutes, otherwise, you may have tough cupcakes.
- Make sure that you cool your cupcakes completely before you frost them, otherwise, your icing may melt off.
How to store leftovers
Leftovers? Who's going to have leftovers, 😋 - seriously these are so good! But, if you do - great news. Cupcakes keep well and freeze great!
Refrigerate - If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have some cupcake storage cases those well to keep them fresh.
Freezer - Store your cupcakes in a freezer safe airtight container for up to three months. If you are planning to freeze your cupcakes I recommend that you freeze them unfrosted, as the green frosting may run when thawed.
More recipes you'll love
Here are some amazing holiday treat! Just click on the photo to take you right to the recipe!
- Christmas Puppy Chow is a sweet treat that is loved by kids and adults alike. With a combination of butter, chocolate chips, and Christmas-colored M&Ms it's the perfect snack to share.
- White Chocolate Dipped Oreos are festive treats that everyone will love. Because you can decorate them with sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a delicious holiday treat!
- Snowman Soup is the perfect gift for your friends and neighbors this holiday season.
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Lin says
So stinkin’ cute! Now I have something to bring to our family get together. 🥰
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Lin!! Have fun with these and Happy Holidays!!
Marsha says
I love that this recipe calls for box cake
Bowl Me Over says
Keeping it easy! Happy Holidays Marsha!
Maureen says
I know I can make the cupcakes but I don't think I could decorate them as well as you have. I'm willing to give it a try. I know I can make the bows but the wreaths look a little tricky. Perfect treat for my grandkids.
Thanks for a cute take on holiday cupcakes.
Bowl Me Over says
You got this, Maureen! Be sure to send me a photo, I can't wait to see how they turn out!!
kesha says
My grandson would love these! They are so pretty and festive!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Kesha! Happy Holidays!!
Trudi-Marie says
These would be great to take for a bake sale at school!
Bowl Me Over says
What a wonderful idea! What I love about these is that it doesn't take mad skills to make them. Have a great holiday season Trudi-Marie!!!
Michelle Gosser says
What a fun and easy way to make cupcakes more festive! Must try this for or Christmas party, just a little extra effort goes a long way!
Bowl Me Over says
Right? Super simple, but so festive! Happy Holidays Michelle!!
Cat stevens says
I have no skills whatsoever to decorate a cupcake much less a cake. Frosting or whip cream oh yes. You fancied it up right. Like the ease of the recipe, ready to try it. Thank you Deb.
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful, enjoy the recipe Cat! Happy holidays to you & Wayne!
MaryB says
So cute! And easy, too. The best of both worlds.
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you, thank you! Have a wonderful holiday season Mary!!
Jann Forrest says
The recipe looks delicious. I am going to make Cake poppers which are more like donut holes and dip them in frosting. Maybe a brown sugar frosting.
Bowl Me Over says
That sounds super good Jann, perfect for the holidays - enjoy!!
Melody Harris says
All things merry and bright! Lovely addition to a party dessert table for the holidays. Such a stunner! Thanks, Deb for the step-by-step instructions.
Bowl Me Over says
You're so welcome Melody! Thanks for your support of the blog. Have a great holiday season!
Carol says
These look amazing. I am never good at decorating cupcakes, cakes etc. but am going to give this a try for our family Christmas Eve get together
Bowl Me Over says
These are perfect for Christmas Eve. Super simple and they will be so festive and fun!
Cassie A says
These are beautiful. My 13 year old is starting to bake and she wants to try to make these!
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful!! This is a great recipe for her to try! Please send a picture when you're done!! Happy holidays to you and yours Cassie!
sherry deiter says
Wow!! These are absolutely beautiful 😍
I will be the hit at all of the parties when I bring them. I can't wait to make these!! Thank you for this recipe and Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Sherry!! Enjoy the cupcakes and all the easy recipes. Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!