Red Velvet Santa Hat Cupcakes

What better way to spread holiday cheer than with a batch of Red Velvet Santa Hat Cupcakes? These delightful treats not only scream festive spirit but also deliver on taste, making them a perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. My first experience baking these cupcakes was filled with laughter and joy, especially as I watched the little ones light up at the sight of those whimsical Santa hats. With their vibrant red color and creamy white frosting, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home.

What Makes This Recipe Special

When it comes to holiday baking, Red Velvet Santa Hat Cupcakes have an allure that’s hard to resist. They capture the essence of special gatherings with their eye-catching appearance and rich flavor. Picture this: a moist red velvet cupcake topped with a generous swirl of fluffy white frosting masquerading as a soft, snowy Santa hat, complete with a small round marshmallow at the tip.

These cupcakes are perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in while watching Christmas movies. They are quick to whip up, budget-friendly (who said festive treats have to break the bank?), and loved by both kids and adults alike.

“These cupcakes were the highlight of our holiday party! Everyone loved their unique look and delicious flavor.” – A happy cupcake creator.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Creating your holiday masterpiece is as easy as pie! Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:

1. Prepare your red velvet batter. A classic red velvet mix adorned with cocoa will bring rich flavor to your cupcakes.
2. Bake until fluffy. Once baked, let them cool before frosting.
3. Top with frosting. The best part—pipe that delightful frosting to create your Santa hats!
4. Add finishing touches. Little marshmallows make sweet accents on these festive treats.

Gather Your Ingredients

To create these festive cupcakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients You’ll Need

• For the cupcakes:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

• For the frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream (to achieve desired consistency)

• Garnish:

  • Mini marshmallows

Feel free to swap buttermilk with milk mixed with a little lemon juice if you’re in a pinch!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and cocoa powder.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until smooth.
4. Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.
5. Fill the liners: Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
6. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool: Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before frosting.
8. Make the frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Add heavy cream to get the desired spreading or piping consistency.
9. Frost the cupcakes: Pipe a swirl of frosting on each cupcake to form the Santa hat, and top with a marshmallow.

Tips for Serving

These Red Velvet Santa Hat Cupcakes are not just a treat; they’re an experience! Present them on a festive platters or cake stands, perhaps beside a glass of eggnog or hot cocoa. Adding sprinkles of edible glitter or shimmery sugars can elevate their visual appeal even more. For an extra touch of warmth, consider pairing them with gingerbread cookies or peppermint sticks to complement the seasonal flavors.

Best Way to Store Red Velvet Santa Hat Cupcakes

To keep your festive creations fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their life, they can be refrigerated for a week. Just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Freezing is another option—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. They can be thawed in the fridge overnight before you frost and serve.

Pro Chef Tips

To achieve the perfect Red Velvet Santa Hat Cupcakes, here are some expert pieces of advice:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
• Don’t Overmix: One of the keys to fluffy cupcakes is to mix the batter until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
• Piping the Frosting: Use a piping bag with a star tip for beautifully shaped Santa hats on each cupcake.

Creative Twists

If you’re looking to jazz up this basic recipe, consider the following variations:

• Chocolate Chip Additions: Fold in some mini chocolate chips into the batter for an extra decadent treat.
• Nutty Flavors: Try finishing off the frosting with finely chopped pecans for a crunch.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap in almond or coconut milk for the buttermilk and vegan butter for frosting to make this recipe dairy-free.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make these cupcakes?

From prep to finish, expect around 45 minutes to an hour.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Absolutely! Store-bought cream cheese or buttercream frosting can simplify the process without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, make the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them just before serving to keep the frosting fresh and fluffy.

Do I need to refrigerate the cupcakes?

You don’t need to refrigerate them unless you live in a warm climate. Feel free to store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Are there gluten-free options?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cupcakes suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.

These Red Velvet Santa Hat Cupcakes truly embody the spirit of the season, making them a delightful creation for any holiday gathering. Enjoy spreading cheer one cupcake at a time!

Red Velvet Santa Hat Cupcakes

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful red velvet cupcakes topped with creamy frosting resembling Santa hats, perfect for holiday celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 2–4 tablespoons heavy cream (for frosting)
• Mini marshmallows (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
6. Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before frosting.
8. Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Add heavy cream to achieve desired consistency.
9. Pipe a swirl of frosting on each cupcake to create the Santa hat, and top with a marshmallow.

Notes

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cupcake
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: red velvet, cupcakes, holiday dessert, festive treats, Santa hats