Save to Pinterest A whimsical and festive dessert centerpiece featuring cupcakes topped with colorful elf hat decorations—perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
This recipe has become a holiday favorite in my family, bringing joy and smiles whenever we present the cupcake tower at gatherings.
Ingredients
- Cupcakes: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter softened, 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- Buttercream Frosting: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar sifted, 2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml) milk, 2 tsp vanilla extract, Gel food coloring (red green yellow blue)
- Elf Hat Decorations: 24 sugar cones (for hats), Colored fondant or modeling chocolate (red green yellow white), Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional), Mini marshmallows or white chocolate chips (for hat pom-poms), Piping gel or melted white chocolate (for attaching decorations)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 12-cup muffin pans with cupcake liners.
- Step 2:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour baking powder baking soda and salt.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time then mix in vanilla.
- Step 4:
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Step 5:
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners (about 23 full). Bake 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Step 6:
- For the buttercream beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in vanilla and milk beating until fluffy. Divide and tint with gel food coloring as desired.
- Step 7:
- Frost cooled cupcakes with a swirl of buttercream using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
- Step 8:
- For elf hats cover each sugar cone with colored fondant or modeling chocolate. Add fondant details (stripes dots hat brims). Attach a mini marshmallow or white chocolate chip to the tip with piping gel or melted chocolate. Optionally add edible glitter or sprinkles.
- Step 9:
- Place an elf hat on each frosted cupcake pressing gently to secure.
- Step 10:
- Arrange cupcakes on a tiered cupcake stand to create a tower effect.
Save to Pinterest This cupcake tower always sparks joy at family holiday parties bringing everyone together to admire and enjoy the festive treats.
Notes
Pair with hot chocolate mulled wine or sparkling cider for a festive treat
Required Tools
Muffin pans cupcake liners mixing bowls electric mixer piping bags and tips offset spatula rolling pin (for fondant) cupcake tower or stand
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) eggs milk and possibly tree nuts (if using nut-based fondant or decorations). Always check labels on all decorations and fondant for potential allergens.
Save to Pinterest These cupcakes are a charming holiday centerpiece that’s both delicious and fun to make together.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients are used for the elf hat decorations?
Elf hats are crafted using sugar cones covered with colored fondant or modeling chocolate, accented with small marshmallows or white chocolate chips for pom-poms, and optional edible glitter or sprinkles for extra flair.
- → How do I make colorful buttercream frosting?
Buttercream is prepared by creaming unsalted butter and powdered sugar, then mixing in milk and vanilla. Divide the frosting and tint with gel food coloring to achieve vibrant hues.
- → Can different cupcake flavors be used for this tower?
Yes, try chocolate, spice, or red velvet variations to add flavor variety while maintaining the festive appearance.
- → What is the recommended baking time and temperature?
Bake cupcakes at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely before decorating.
- → How should the cupcakes be stored prior to assembly?
Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to two days. Assemble with hats shortly before serving to preserve freshness and appearance.