Christmas Candy Swirl Cupcakes

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Christmas Candy Swirl Cupcakes

Christmas Candy Swirl Cupcakes are the perfect festive treat for the holiday season — soft vanilla cupcakes topped with mint-green buttercream swirls and cute candy lollipop toppers. These bright, cheerful cupcakes fit beautifully into holiday baking recipes, easy Christmas desserts, and family-friendly cupcake ideas, all of which attract strong search interest during the holidays. The tender crumb, buttery flavor, and colorful frosting make them a standout treat for parties, gifts, or winter celebrations.

Yield: 12 cupcakes
Temp: 350°F (175°C)
Time: 30–35 minutes

Key Ingredients First:

  • Butter (softened)
  • Sugar
  • Eggs

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Green gel food coloring
  • Mini candy lollipops or peppermint candies (for toppers)

Instructions

  1. Make the Cupcake Batter
    Beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. This classic base gives you a tender crumb that performs beautifully in holiday cupcake recipes and Christmas baking ideas.
  2. Add Dry Ingredients
    In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in two additions, alternating with the milk. Stir in the vanilla.
  3. Bake the Cupcakes
    Divide the batter into a lined 12-cup muffin tin. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
  4. Make the Frosting
    Beat the butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to reach piping consistency. Tint the frosting mint green — a color that shines in Christmas dessert styling and holiday party treats.
  5. Decorate
    Pipe tall swirls onto each cupcake. Add mini candy lollipops, peppermint candies, or festive sprinkles on top.

Serving Ideas

  • Perfect for holiday parties, gifting boxes, or winter bake sales.
  • Add crushed peppermint for extra holiday flavor.
  • Use red and green frosting for a two-tone swirl.
  • Pair them with hot chocolate or eggnog for a complete festive treat.

Readers searching for easy Christmas cupcakes, holiday dessert ideas, and fun kids’ baking recipes will love this colorful, cheerful dessert.

Tips for Best Results

  • Make sure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting.
  • Use gel food coloring for brighter color without thinning the frosting.
  • Chill the cupcakes for 10 minutes after decorating to set the swirls.
  • Swap vanilla for almond extract for a bakery-style flavor.

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