20 Festive Christmas Cupcake Recipes to Sweeten Your Holidays

The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by baking up a storm in the kitchen. I absolutely adore making sweet treats during Christmas, and cupcakes are always a hit at any gathering. Whether you're hosting a family dinner, attending a holiday party, or setting up a dessert table for friends, a delightful array of cupcakes will surely bring a smile to everyone's face.

I’ve curated this list of “20 Festive Christmas Cupcake Recipes to Sweeten Your Holidays” so you can add a little extra cheer to your festivities. From classic flavors to creative new twists, there's something here for every baker and taste bud. Let's dive in!

1. Classic Vanilla Christmas Cupcakes

Who can resist a classic vanilla cupcake with festive sprinkles?

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• Holiday sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and then mix in vanilla.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
6. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
7. Cool on a wire rack, then frost and decorate with sprinkles.

2. Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes

Perfect for coffee lovers, these peppermint mocha cupcakes bring a holiday twist to a classic coffee flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line cupcake pan with liners.
2. Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and peppermint extracts.
5. Add dry ingredients alternately with coffee, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
6. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
7. Cool, then frost with peppermint-flavored frosting.

3. Gingerbread Cupcakes

These gingerbread cupcakes are like mini cakes filled with warm holiday spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup hot water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line your cupcake tin.
2. Whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and dark brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Add molasses and egg, and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients and hot water, alternating.
6. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
7. Cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting.

4. Eggnog Cupcakes

These fluffy eggnog cupcakes are the epitome of holiday cheer and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup eggnog
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in one bowl.
3. Cream butter and sugar in another until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
5. Alternately add dry ingredients with eggnog, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
6. Fill liners 2/3 full and sprinkle a touch of nutmeg on top.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes and cool completely before frosting.
8. Frost with eggnog-flavored buttercream.

5. Cranberry Orange Cupcakes

The combination of tart cranberries and fresh orange zest add an exciting flavor to these festive cupcakes.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in orange zest and juice.
5. Fold in dry ingredients and chopped cranberries gently.
6. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
7. Let cool, then frost with orange cream cheese frosting.

6. Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Hot chocolate cupcakes are like sipping a warm cup of cocoa in cake form.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup hot milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line your cupcake pan.
2. Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
5. Combine dry ingredients with hot milk alternately, starting and ending with dry.
6. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
7. Cool, then frost with marshmallow or whipped cream frosting.

7. Spiced Apple Cupcakes

These cupcakes are packed with the flavors of spiced apple, perfect for cozy holiday evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup grated apple

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare your cupcake tin.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
5. Fold in dry ingredients and grated apple.
6. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
7. Cool, then frost with cinnamon or caramel frosting.

8. Red Velvet Christmas Cupcakes

These rich and velvety cupcakes will add a vibrant touch to your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line your cupcake tin.
2. Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and red food coloring.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, then fold in vinegar.
6. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
7. Cool before frosting with classic cream cheese frosting.

9. White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes

Sweet white chocolate paired with tart raspberries makes a delightful cupcake combination.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla.
5. Fold in dry ingredients, then milk, white chocolate chips, and raspberries.
6. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
7. Cool and frost with white chocolate buttercream.

10. Nutmeg Maple Cupcakes

Infused with the warm flavors of nutmeg and maple, these cupcakes will be a hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line your cupcake pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
3. Cream butter and maple syrup together.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
5. Combine dry ingredients alternately with milk.
6. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
7. Cool before frosting with maple buttercream.

11. Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

Chocolate and peppermint are a classic holiday pairing in these rich cupcakes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line your cupcake pan.
2. Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and peppermint extracts.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk.
6. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
7. Cool and frost with peppermint buttercream.

12. Pistachio Cranberry Cupcakes

The green and red from pistachios and cranberries make these cupcakes festive and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line your cupcake pan.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
5. Alternately fold in dry ingredients with milk.
6. Fold in chopped pistachios and cranberries.
7. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
8. Cool before frosting with pistachio-flavored frosting.

13. Ginger Spice Latte Cupcakes

Warm spices and a hint of coffee come together in these comforting ginger spice latte cupcakes.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line your cupcake pan.
2. Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
5. Combine dry ingredients and coffee alternately.
6. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
7. Cool and frost with a spiced buttercream.

14. Snowball Cupcakes

These coconut-covered cupcakes are reminiscent of winter snowballs.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line your cupcake pan.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
5. Alternately fold in dry ingredients with coconut milk.
6. Fold in shredded coconut.
7. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
8. Cool and frost with coconut buttercream, then roll in more shredded coconut.

15. Cranberry White Chocolate Cupcakes

A beautiful blend of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries make these cupcakes irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line your cupcake pan.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
5. Fold in dry ingredients, chocolate chips, and cranberries.
6. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
7. Cool and frost with white chocolate buttercream.

16. Salted Caramel Cupcakes

Decadent caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt make these cupcakes a gourmet treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line your cupcake pan.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and caramel sauce.
5. Fold in dry ingredients until combined.
6. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
7. Cool and frost with caramel buttercream, then sprinkle with sea salt.

17. Pecan Pie Cupcakes

Turn your favorite holiday pie into individual cupcakes with these rich, nutty treats.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line your cupcake pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
5. Fold in dry ingredients with buttermilk.
6. Fold in pecans and brown sugar.
7. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
8. Cool and frost with brown sugar buttercream.

18. Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes

Get the taste of a cinnamon roll in a convenient cupcake form with this delightful recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line your cupcake pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
5. Fold in dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk.
6. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
7. Cool and frost with cream cheese frosting, then drizzle with a cinnamon glaze.

19. Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

These cupcakes combine the refreshing taste of mint with the richness of chocolate chips.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line your cupcake pan.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then extracts.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, finishing with dry ingredients.
6. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
7. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
8. Cool and frost with peppermint buttercream.

20. Chai Spice Cupcakes

Warm and fragrant chai spices make these cupcakes perfect for cozy holiday evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chai tea (strongly brewed and cooled)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line your cupcake pan.
2. Combine flour, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
5. Add dry ingredients alternately with chai tea, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
6. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
7. Cool and frost with chai-spiced buttercream.

Conclusion

I hope this list of “20 Festive Christmas Cupcake Recipes to Sweeten Your Holidays” brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. There’s something wonderfully satisfying about whipping up a batch of beautifully decorated cupcakes, and it’s even better when you get to share them with your loved ones. Happy baking and merry Christmas!