Cupcake Decorations: Christmas Cupcake Ideas

When it comes to decorations, for many of us, Christmas is the very best time of year. And cupcake decorations are no exception! Let’s face it: We all tend to indulge a bit more around the holidays, and everyone loves cupcakes – so why not make it fun and creative by trying some of the following Christmas cupcake ideas?

• When it comes to decorating cupcakes, sprinkles are just about the easiest way to go, any time of year. For quick and simple, yet festive Christmas cupcakes, all you need do is bake up a batch of cupcakes (from scratch, or if you’re really in a time crunch, use your favorite mix.) Then, top with green, white, or red frosting; toss on some green and red sprinkles, and voila! Quick and easy Christmas cupcakes.

• Kids (yours, the neighbors, classmates) will love these reindeer cupcakes. Chocolate frosting is best; the reindeer “faces” can easily be created with M&M’s, jelly beans, etc. – use your imagination. Then, pretzels (the large twist variety work best) can be broken in half (carefully!) for antlers. Too cute!

• This one’s a little trickier, but with a little practice, you’ll have this Santa face down in no time. Using red and white icing, top each cupcake (red on one half, white on the other.) To create the brim of Santa’s hat, separate the two colors of icing with mini marshmallow. Green or chocolate icing – a small amount – is used to “paint” the face on the white icing. Round candies, your choice, make up the nose, eyes, etc. Try thin licorice whips for his mouth (or even cut-outs from fruit roll ups.) Creativity’s the key – as with all of these ideas.

• Multi-cupcake Christmas tree: Start with a large, rectangular Christmas plate or serving dish and approx. 1 ½ dozen cupcakes. Top four of your cupcakes with brown chocolate frosting; all others get green frosting. (The four brown ones will form the trunk of your Christmas tree, at the bottom of your arrangement.) All of the green cupcakes form the rest of the tree; arrange these in a triangular shape above your “trunk.” Then, go a little wild with your decorations! Use peppermints; small candy canes; red, white and/or green M&M’s or other candies; chocolate kisses and/or bells. Shredded coconut makes great snow, and you might even try – as your garland – red licorice … more fun than decorating your “real” tree (and yummier!)

More Christmas cupcake ideas to follow … meanwhile, check out a great source for cupcake decorations – it’s the most convenient and complete one I’ve found online!