Name: Naughty Nice Christmas Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 (13.25-oz.) package vanilla box cake mix; 3/4 cup whole milk; 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 2 1/2 cups (290 g) confectioners’ sugar; 3 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; Red, green, and white Christmas sprinkle mix; Black sprinkles; Black sugar pearls; A piping bag with a 1/2″ star tip

Ingredients

4 large eggs

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 (13.25-oz.) vanilla box cake mix

3/4 cup whole milk

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

2 1/2 cups (290 g) confectioners’ sugar

3 tablespoons heavy cream

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Red, green, and white Christmas sprinkle mix, black sprinkles, and black sugar pearls (for decorating)

A piping bag and a 1/2″ star tip

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and position a rack in the center. Line 18 cups in two standard 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake liners.

Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, melted butter, and vegetable oil on medium speed for about 1 minute until combined.

Step 3: Add the cake mix and blend until mixed. With the mixer on low, gradually add the milk, then increase to medium speed and beat until the batter is smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 4: Fill each cupcake liner about halfway with batter. Bake until the tops are golden and spring back when touched, about 20 to 24 minutes. Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: For the frosting, beat the softened butter on medium speed for 5 to 7 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 6: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and beat until incorporated. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed until smooth.

Step 7: Using a paring knife or large piping tip, carefully hollow out a small section from the center of each cupcake. Fill half the cupcakes with the red, green, and white Christmas sprinkle mix and the other half with black sprinkles and black sugar pearls.

Step 8: Transfer the frosting to the piping bag fitted with the star tip. Pipe swirls of frosting on top of each cupcake and finish by sprinkling more Christmas sprinkles on the festive ones.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use whole butter instead of margarine when making the frosting.

Swap the Christmas sprinkles for other seasonal decorations to match different holidays or personal preferences.

Use cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream for a tangy twist.

Make cupcakes a day ahead and keep them chilled overnight to enhance the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, vanilla works best for this recipe, but you can experiment with yellow or even almond-flavored cake mixes for a different taste.

What if I don’t have a piping bag or star tip?

You can frost the cupcakes using a spoon or an offset spatula for a more rustic look. Alternatively, make a DIY piping bag by snipping the corner of a large plastic sandwich bag.