Tree Lights: A Christmas Cupcake Recipe That’ll Brighten Any Holiday Table

Mama, you know I love a good, festive dessert — especially one that looks like you spent hours on it but really came together in no time! These Christmas Lights Cupcakes are the perfect mix of fun, flavor, and holiday cheer. They’re bright, colorful, and almost too cute to eat (but trust me, no one will resist them once they see them on your dessert table!).

Whether you’re baking for a school party, cookie exchange, or family movie night, these Christmas Lights Cupcakes will steal the show. They’re simple, affordable, and a total joy to decorate — even the kids will want to join in on the fun.

Ingredients for Christmas Lights Cupcakes

How to make Christmas Lights Cupcakes : ingredients you need!

Ingredients for Christmas Lights Cupcakes

Optional: Warm water & a butter knife for a smooth, professional finish

1 box Betty Crocker Vanilla Cake Mix (plus ingredients on box)

1 tub Betty Crocker Cream Cheese Frosting

1 tub Betty Crocker Vanilla Frosting

Black decorating icing (premade tube)

Mini M&Ms, various colors

Parchment paper

Christmas Lights 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 Lights Cupcakes

How to make Christmas Lights Cupcakes: a step-by-step guide

How to Make Christmas Lights Cupcakes

1. Bake the Cupcakes

Prepare the cupcakes according to the directions on the Betty Crocker vanilla cake mix box. Bake 24 cupcakes and let them cool completely before decorating.

2. Frost the Bottoms

Once cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cupcake. Then, flip each one upside down and gently press onto a parchment paper–lined 9×13 pan. Repeat until your pan is filled with upside-down cupcakes.

3. Freeze to Set

Place the cupcakes in the freezer for about 25–30 minutes. Once chilled, remove from the freezer and carefully peel away the parchment paper. Flip each cupcake right-side up.

4. Smooth the Tops (Pro Tip!)

For that perfect, bakery-smooth look, dip a butter knife in warm water and gently glide it across the tops of each cupcake to smooth the frosting. Place them back in the fridge for 10 minutes to let the frosting firm up again.

5. Decorate with Lights

Now the fun part! Using black icing, pipe a swirly line across the top of each cupcake to create your “light strand.” Then press mini M&Ms (M side down) along the black icing line to make your colorful Christmas lights.

6. Chill & Serve

Refrigerate your Christmas Lights Cupcakes until ready to serve. They hold their shape beautifully and look so festive when displayed together!

Christmas Lights Cupcakes: SIDE IDEA

These Christmas Lights Cupcakes are everything a holiday treat should be — simple, festive, and full of joy. They’re a guaranteed hit at any gathering, and you’ll love how easy they are to pull together using basic pantry staples.

They’re also a great reminder that you don’t need perfection to make something special. Holiday baking should be about creating memories, not stress — and with these cupcakes, you’ll do exactly that.

So this Christmas, grab your cake mix, M&Ms, and a little bit of holiday spirit, and make a batch of Christmas Lights Cupcakes. They’ll light up your dessert table, your home, and most importantly — your heart. 💛

Crazy Busy Mama Tip

If you’re making these Christmas Lights Cupcakes for a crowd, bake and frost the cupcakes the night before, then decorate the day of your event. The frosting will set nicely in the fridge overnight, making decorating smooth and mess-free.

And if you want to take it up a notch, try using both cream cheese and vanilla frosting for a layered flavor! The slight tang from the cream cheese paired with the sweetness of the vanilla makes these cupcakes irresistible.

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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 Lights Cupcakes, be sure to check out these other easy Holiday recipes that will add fun and flavor to every meal.

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