Easy Christmas Tree Dessert: Festive Cupcake Cones

Embrace the magical spirit of the holidays with a truly edible wonder: our Easy Christmas Tree Dessert. This delightful and straightforward recipe transforms simple cupcake cones into charming, festive trees, perfect for any celebration. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a stunning centerpiece that is as fun to make as it is delicious to eat. You can easily create this beautiful christmas tree dessert and bring joy to your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Dessert

• Fun and straightforward to make. This recipe uses basic techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels, especially beginners. It provides a delightful activity for the entire family during the holidays.
• Impressive holiday table centerpiece. These adorable edible trees instantly elevate your festive spread. Their whimsical appearance makes them a fantastic focal point at any gathering.
• Delightful for all ages, especially kids. Children adore helping with the decorating, turning this into a memorable holiday tradition. Everyone loves seeing their unique creations come to life.
• Customizable with flavors and decorations. Easily adapt the cupcake and frosting flavors to suit your taste preferences. Get creative with an array of sprinkles and candies to personalize each tree.
• Creates lasting festive memories. Baking together fosters connection and joy, making this more than just a dessert. You will cherish the moments spent crafting this charming christmas tree dessert.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your festive christmas tree dessert! You likely have many of these staples already in your pantry, making this a convenient and quick project. Quality ingredients ensure the best flavor and texture for your holiday treat.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup milk
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, for frosting
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• Green gel food coloring
• 12-18 sugar cones
• Assorted sprinkles, for decoration
• Edible star decorations

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your schedule and preferences. Using shortcuts helps make this christmas tree dessert even quicker. Feel free to experiment with different components to make it uniquely yours.

• Use boxed cake mix for speed. A standard 15.25-ounce box of yellow or vanilla cake mix works perfectly. Just follow the package directions for baking cupcakes.
• Substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives. Use almond milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free option. Ensure all ingredients are properly chilled when making frosting.
• Adjust green coloring intensity. Start with a small amount of gel food coloring and add more for a deeper shade. Remember, a little gel coloring goes a long way.
• Swap cone for stacked cookies or brownies. For a flat base, you can stack round cookies or small brownie squares. This creates a different, yet equally festive, shape for your trees.
• Choose various candies for ornaments. Mini M&M’s, small chocolate chips, or even chopped gummy candies make great “ornaments.” Get creative with your decorations.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes the baking and decorating process smooth and enjoyable. These common kitchen items will help you create your adorable christmas tree dessert with ease.

• Standard 12-cup cupcake/muffin pan
• Paper cupcake liners
• Large mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer
• Piping bags with a large star tip (like Wilton 1M)
• Wire cooling rack
• Serving platter/board

Instructions

Creating your festive christmas tree dessert is a fun, step-by-step process. Follow these clear instructions to assemble your adorable edible trees. Take your time with each stage for the best results.

1. Bake Cupcakes: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
3. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling ensures your frosting does not melt when applied, maintaining the tree’s structure.
5. Prepare Frosting: While cupcakes cool, make the buttercream. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy and pale, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined, then increasing to medium-high. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
7. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and smooth.
8. Add a few drops of green gel food coloring to the frosting. Mix on medium speed until the desired vibrant green shade is achieved. Add more coloring if you want a darker green.
9. Assemble Trees: Invert a cooled cupcake onto a clean surface or serving platter. This creates a stable base for your tree.
10. Place a sugar cone firmly on the center of the inverted cupcake. Ensure it stands upright and feels secure.
11. Transfer the green frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Start piping the frosting around the base of the sugar cone, working your way up in a continuous swirling motion. Create layers of frosting, overlapping slightly, to mimic the branches of a pine tree. Bring the frosting to a point at the top of the cone.
12. Decorate: Immediately after piping, add colorful sprinkles all over the green frosting. The frosting is still soft, so the sprinkles will stick easily.
13. Carefully place an edible star decoration on the very top of each christmas tree dessert. This completes the iconic holiday look.
14. Repeat for the remaining cupcakes and cones until all your festive trees are complete.
15. Allow the frosting to set slightly at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps the decorations adhere firmly.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Making a fantastic christmas tree dessert is easy with a few expert tricks. These tips help ensure your trees look their best and stand tall. Don’t worry if things aren’t perfect; practice makes perfect!

• Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled. Warm cupcakes will melt your frosting, causing it to slide right off. Place them in the fridge briefly if you are in a hurry.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant green. Liquid food coloring can thin your frosting and produce a less intense color. For richer, more vibrant hues without altering consistency, gel food coloring is recommended.
• Pipe from bottom up for best shape. Starting at the base of the cone and swirling upwards creates a natural-looking tree shape. Apply even pressure for consistent frosting layers.
• Dip cones in melted chocolate first. For extra stability and flavor, dip the base of each sugar cone into melted chocolate. Let it set before placing it on the cupcake.
• Chill frosting if it becomes too soft. If your kitchen is warm, the buttercream might become difficult to pipe. Refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes, then re-whip it slightly before continuing.
• Troubleshoot crumbling cupcakes. Overmixing the batter or baking at too high a temperature can lead to dry, crumbly cupcakes. Ensure ingredients are at room temperature and do not overbake.
• Prevent cones from toppling over. Make sure your inverted cupcake provides a flat, stable base. You can also add a small dollop of frosting to the bottom of the cone before placing it on the cupcake for extra adhesion.

Serving & Storage

Serve your delightful christmas tree dessert proudly as a festive centerpiece. These treats are designed to be enjoyed fresh, but they store well too. Planning ahead ensures you have a wonderful dessert ready for any holiday gathering.

• Serve immediately for best texture. The cupcakes are moist and the frosting is creamy, making fresh enjoyment ideal. Present them on a large platter for a stunning display.
• Store airtight at room temperature 1-2 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A large cake carrier works perfectly to protect your decorated trees.
• Refrigerate up to 3-4 days if desired. If your kitchen is warm or you prefer chilled frosting, store them in the fridge. Allow them to come closer to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
• Best made 1 day in advance. Assemble and decorate your christmas tree dessert the day before your event. This allows the frosting to set nicely and helps manage your holiday preparations.

Variations

Easily customize your christmas tree dessert to suit any taste or theme. These simple tweaks let you create an array of delightful holiday treats. Let your creativity shine with these fun ideas.

• Flavor Twists: Opt for rich chocolate or vibrant red velvet cupcakes instead of vanilla. These alternative bases add depth and color to your festive trees.
• Frosting Fun: Experiment with cream cheese frosting for a tangy counterpoint or add peppermint extract for a cool, minty flavor. A touch of almond extract is also lovely.
• Decorations: Use crushed candy canes, mini M&Ms, small chocolate pearls, or edible glitter for extra sparkle. Tiny royal icing shapes can also be “hung” as ornaments.
• Mini Trees: Use mini cupcakes and smaller ice cream cones for bite-sized delights. These are perfect for party platters or individual servings.
• No-Bake: For an even quicker option, use store-bought cookies or brownies as the base. Then simply add frosting and cones for a speedy christmas tree dessert.

Nutrition

Disclaimer: The following nutrition information is an estimate only and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It is provided for general guidance.

This estimated nutritional breakdown helps you understand the general content of one serving of this delicious christmas tree dessert.

FAQ

• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cupcakes and make the frosting 1-2 days in advance. Store cupcakes airtight and frosting refrigerated.
• How do I transport them safely? Place the finished trees in a tall, sturdy box with individual cupcake inserts to keep them upright and prevent shifting. Keep them cool during transport.
• Are these suitable for kids to help decorate? Absolutely, this is a fantastic kid-friendly activity. Let them pipe the frosting and add sprinkles for a fun, creative experience.
• What if I don’t have sugar cones? You can stack cookies or brownies on top of the cupcakes for a similar tree shape. Simply pipe the frosting over the stacked layers.
• How to achieve a super vibrant green color? Always use gel food coloring for the best results. Add small amounts gradually until you reach your desired intense green for this christmas tree dessert.

Conclusion

Crafting this Easy Christmas Tree Dessert is a truly delightful and festive experience. These simple yet stunning cupcake cones bring a unique charm to any holiday gathering. You will love how easy it is to create such an impressive and joyful treat. Gather your loved ones, bake, and decorate this wonderful christmas tree dessert to create lasting holiday memories. Happy baking and happy holidays from Sweet Emily!

Easy Christmas Tree Dessert: Festive Cupcake Cones

These adorable cupcake cones are decorated to look like mini Christmas trees, complete with green frosting, sprinkles, and a star topper. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings and fun to make with the whole family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 525

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup milk
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• green gel food coloring, to tint frosting
• 12-18 sugar cones
• assorted sprinkles, for decoration
• edible star decorations

Equipment

• 12-cup cupcake pan
• paper cupcake liners
• Mixing Bowls
• Electric Hand Mixer
• piping bags with large star tip e.g. Wilton 1M
• Wire cooling rack
• serving platter or board

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a medium bowl, cream the butter and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full.
4. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
5. To make the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until combined.
6. Add heavy cream and vanilla. Beat until fluffy. Tint with green gel food coloring and mix until evenly colored.
7. Invert cooled cupcake. Place a sugar cone on top to form the tree shape.
8. Using a piping bag with a star tip, pipe frosting from the base of the cone up to the top, creating layers to mimic branches.
9. Immediately decorate with sprinkles and top each tree with a star. Let frosting set 15-20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use boxed cake mix for convenience or customize with different flavors like chocolate or red velvet. Gel food coloring is best for vibrant green frosting. Decorate with your favorite candies or edible glitter. Make 1 day in advance for easier prep.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com