Decorate something other than cookies this year!
![Move Over, Cookies! We're Making Christmas Cupcakes This Year (1) Move Over, Cookies! We're Making Christmas Cupcakes This Year (1)](https://i0.wp.com/hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/christmas-cupcakes-65774ba12310b.jpeg?crop=1.00xw:1.00xh;0,0&resize=640:*)
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A plate of Christmas cookies aren't the only holiday dessert worth baking. This year, make the case for Christmas cupcakes to serve to all your family and friends! The best part is that these cupcake recipes are filled with all the flavors of the season. For instance, Ree Drummond's chocolate cupcakes get a holiday twist with peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes on top. There's also white chocolate cranberry cupcakes, gingerbread cupcakes, and cupcakes inspired by a cup of cozy eggnog.
There are lots of traditional Christmas cakes in bite-sized form! Then get creative with the designs by using the inspiration ahead—there are colorful ornament cupcakes, Christmas wreath cupcakes, and even a cupcake that looks like a snowman. Plus, decorating cupcakes with your kids makes for a fun Christmas activity for everyone. Or for a cupcake that's as magical as the season itself, pop open the bubbly for the champagne cupcakes that are worthy of a celebration.
No matter which kind of cupcake you choose to bake, these Christmas treats are perfect for just about any holiday celebration. Plus, they're so easy to serve, no slicing required. That way, your Christmas party will be much easier to manage! Your guests can simply grab and go on their merry way with no messy cleanup. Just make sure to leave one for Santa, too.
1
Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting
You don't have to have any fancy decorating skills for these peppermint-infused cupcakes. As Ree says, "They're just going to be eaten, anyway." A sprinkle of crushed peppermints is all you need.
Get Ree's Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting recipe.
2
Champagne Cupcakes
Celebrate the season with a toast of champagne in cupcake form! They'll turn any Christmas dinner into an elegant party. Use your favorite dry sparkling wine in both the cake batter and the frosting.
Get the Champagne Cupcakes recipe.
3
Caramel Apple Cupcakes
Warm, cozy spices like nutmeg and ginger scent these cupcakes and the frosting is made with actual apple cider! To take it one step further, they are finished with a good drizzle of caramel sauce.
Get Ree's Caramel Apple Cupcakes recipe.
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4
Double Lemon Cupcakes
Though lemon is often associated with spring, peak citrus season is actually the winter! So that means a double dose of these puckery delights is perfect for the season. Plus, the flavor will be a refreshing contrast to heavier holiday eats.
Get Ree's Double Lemon Cupcakes recipe.
5
Caramel Macchiato Cupcakes
Inspired by the cozy coffee shop drink, these cupcakes are made with freshly brewed coffee and a java-spiked buttercream that'll give you a bolt of energy. There’s also a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top for good measure.
Get the Caramel Macchiato Cupcakes recipe.
6
Cookies 'n' Creme Cupcakes
All your guests will love getting a taste of The Mercantile's bestselling cupcake. It has a cookies and cream frosting that's loaded with crushed up cookies. They'll taste so good with a cold glass of milk!
Get Ree's Cookies 'n' Creme Cupcakes recipe.
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7
Dr Pepper Cupcakes
Warm pumpkin pie spices, dried cherries, and a hint of cocoa make this cupcake the ultimate winter dessert. You'll be making it for all your seasonal occasions. And see if you guests can guess the flavor!
Get Ree's Dr Pepper Cupcakes recipe.
8
Marble Cupcakes
These swirled cupcakes are so versatile—they can be topped with any frosting you like (vanilla, chocolate, or even marshmallow buttercream) then decorated with Christmas sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
Get the Marble Cupcakes recipe.
9
Chocolate Creme Cupcakes
These double chocolate cupcakes would make a great Christmas gift. Package them up with the recipe attached as a cute food gift for the nostalgic chocolate-lover in your life.
Get Ree's Chocolate Creme Cupcakes recipe.
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10
Italian Cream Cupcakes
Ree Drummond isn't a huge fan of coconut-flavored desserts, but when it comes to these Italian cream cupcakes, she admits that they're totally dreamy. There's shredded coconut in every bite!
Get Ree's Italian Cream Cupcakes recipe.
11
Basic Chocolate Cupcakes
This classic chocolate cupcake recipe can be used in so many ways throughout the holiday season. Top it with your favorite Christmas sprinkles or festive candies—the options are endless!
Get Ree's Basic Chocolate Cupcakes recipe.
12
Polar Bear Cupcakes
Peppermint patties and chocolate-covered raisins make these cupcakes look just like polar bear prints. They're even walking in a coconut "snow!"
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13
Peppermint Red Velvet Cupcakes
Not only are these cupcakes a cute festive red color, but they're also loaded with holiday flavor. Both the cupcake batter and the frosting have a dash of peppermint extract added to the mix.
Get the Peppermint Red Velvet Cupcakes recipe at A Classic Twist.
14
Gingerbread Santa Hat Cupcakes
These gingerbread cupcakes are topped with a red and white ginger-infused frosting that's piped to look just like Santa's classic hat. You can even finish the treat with a mini marshmallow for the pom-pom on top!
Get the Gingerbread Santa Hat Cupcakes recipe at Sugar and Charm.
15
Snickerdoodle Cupcakes
Inspired by a classic Christmas cookie flavor, these cupcakes are loaded with cinnamon and sugar. Even Santa will want to get his hands on these!
Get the Snickerdoodle Cupcakes recipe.
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16
Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes
With the flavors of coffee and mint, these cupcakes will remind you of the popular decadent drink. Drizzle the top with chocolate sauce to complete the look (and taste)!
Get the Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes recipe at A Classic Twist.
17
White Chocolate Cranberry Cupcakes
Tart cranberry and sweet white chocolate are a match made in holiday heaven! Sugared cranberries on top are an easy yet impressive bejeweled detail.
Get the White Chocolate Cranberry Cupcakes recipe at Sugar and Soul.
18
Grinch Cupcakes
Give your piping skills a little practice with these little green grinches! Use a shortcut cake mix to make the baking part easier and you'll have a blast decorating.
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19
Christmas Ornament Cupcakes
Simple chocolate cupcakes are transformed into pretty ornaments just like on your tree! Get creative with the designs and make them your own.
Get the Christmas Ornament Cupcakes recipe at Preppy Kitchen.
20
Christmas Tree Cupcakes
Practice your piping skills with these cute cupcakes featuring Christmas trees made with different piping techniques. They're great for beginner bakers!