The holiday season is full of magic, and if you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for simple but stunning desserts to share with family and friends. Between the hustle and bustle of shopping, decorating, and wrapping presents, it can feel overwhelming to add one more thing to your plate. But here’s the good news—these Christmas Tree Cupcakes are festive, fun, and surprisingly easy to make!
Not only do they look like something straight out of a bakery window, but they also taste incredible with their red velvet base, creamy frosting, and adorable chocolate tree toppers. Trust me, these will become a new family favorite, and your kids will love helping decorate them.
Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cupcakes
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients on the box: eggs, oil, water, etc.)
- 1 tub cream cheese frosting
- Pretzel sticks
- 1 bag green candy melts
- Holiday sprinkles
This recipe makes about 24 Christmas Tree Cupcakes, depending on your box mix.
Christmas Tree Cupcakes Video Tutorial
For those of you who would love a visual step-by-step tutorial here is one for you!
How to Make Christmas Tree Cupcakes
How to make Christmas Tree Cupcakes : a step by step guide
Christmas Tree Cupcakes: A Festive and Fun Holiday Treat
The holiday season is full of magic, and if you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for simple but stunning desserts to share with family and friends. Between the hustle and bustle of shopping, decorating, and wrapping presents, it can feel overwhelming to add one more thing to your plate. But here’s the good news—these Christmas Tree Cupcakes are festive, fun, and surprisingly easy to make!
Not only do they look like something straight out of a bakery window, but they also taste incredible with their red velvet base, creamy frosting, and adorable chocolate tree toppers. Trust me, these will become a new family favorite, and your kids will love helping decorate them.
Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cupcakes
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients on the box: eggs, oil, water, etc.)
- 1 tub cream cheese frosting
- Pretzel sticks
- 1 bag green candy melts
- Holiday sprinkles
This recipe makes about 24 Christmas Tree Cupcakes, depending on your box mix.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake the Cupcakes
Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to the package instructions. Line a muffin tin with festive cupcake liners, then bake as directed. Once baked, let the cupcakes cool completely—this is key before frosting, or the icing will melt.
2. Frost the Cupcakes
Fill a piping bag with cream cheese frosting and pipe generous swirls onto each cupcake. This becomes the snowy base where your chocolate trees will stand tall.
3. Make the Christmas Trees
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place pretzel sticks spaced apart on the sheet. Melt the green candy melts, then transfer them into a piping bag (or zip-top bag with the corner snipped). Pipe zigzag lines of green chocolate over each pretzel stick to form little tree shapes. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle on colorful holiday sprinkles for ornaments. Place the sheet in the fridge for about 10 minutes until hardened.
4. Assemble the Cupcakes
Gently peel the hardened chocolate trees off the parchment. Insert one into the center of each frosted cupcake. Suddenly, you’ve got a forest of Christmas Tree Cupcakes that are almost too cute to eat!
Reclaiming the Table with Christmas Tree Cupcakes
At the end of the day, recipes like these Christmas Tree Cupcakes are about more than just dessert. They’re about slowing down, making space for creativity, and reclaiming the table with your family. As mamas, we don’t need perfection—we need connection. These cupcakes bring just that: laughter, joy, and togetherness.
So this Christmas, don’t stress about fancy desserts. Gather your loved ones, whip up a batch of Christmas Tree Cupcakes, and watch your kitchen come alive with holiday cheer. Because the sweetest memories are always made around the table.
Crazy Busy Mama Tip
Here’s a little CBM tip: make the chocolate Christmas trees a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. That way, when it’s time to assemble your Christmas Tree Cupcakes, all you have to do is bake, frost, and insert the trees. This makes it so much easier when you’re juggling a busy holiday schedule!
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Mama, If you give this recipe a try and love it, I’d be thrilled if you could leave a comment and a 5-star rating below! Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps me understand what kinds of recipes you’d like to see more of.
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More Easy Holiday Recipes
If you love these Christmas Tree Cupcakes, be sure to check out these other easy Holiday recipes that will add fun and flavor to every meal.
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Christmas Tree Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix plus ingredients listed on box: eggs, oil, water, etc.
- 1 tub cream cheese frosting
- Pretzel sticks
- 1 bag green candy melts
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare red velvet cake mix as directed on the box.
- Line muffin tin with cupcake liners, bake, and let cool completely.
- Fill a piping bag with cream cheese frosting.
- Pipe generous swirls on top of each cupcake to create a snowy base.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay pretzel sticks on it.
- Melt green candy melts and transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag.
- Pipe zigzag lines over each pretzel stick to form tree shapes.
- Immediately add sprinkles for ornaments.
- Chill for about 10 minutes until hardened.
- Carefully remove chocolate trees from parchment.
- Insert one into the center of each frosted cupcake.
Video
Nutrition
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