How To Make New Year’s Cupcakes

Are you ready to add a touch of holiday magic to your baking repertoire? Look no further than these Christmas tree cupcakes! These small portioned cakes are not only delicious but also beautifully decorated in the New Year’s style. Whether you want to impress your guests or gift them, this recipe is sure to bring joy and merriment to your celebrations.

Ingredients

To embark on this culinary adventure, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need:

• 120 g flour
• 100 g sugar
• 3 eggs
• 4g baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 80g butter
• 60ml milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Lemon peel
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Cream

For the delightful cream topping, you’ll require:

• 115g cream cheese
• 115g butter
• 90g powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these delightful Christmas tree cupcakes:

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

• In a mixing bowl, combine 120g of flour, 100g of sugar, 4g of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix these dry ingredients until well incorporated.
• In a separate bowl, melt 80g of butter. Add 3 eggs, 60ml of milk, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, lemon peel, and 2 tbsp of lemon juice. Mix these wet ingredients until they form a smooth mixture.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until you have a smooth cupcake batter. Make sure there are no lumps.

Step 2: Fill the Cupcake Liners

• Line your cupcake tray with festive cupcake liners. These can be in holiday colors or patterns for added charm.
• Carefully pour the cupcake batter into each liner, filling them about two-thirds full. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise while baking.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

• Place the filled cupcake tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake. They should turn a lovely golden brown.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Topping

While the cupcakes are cooling, it’s time to prepare the creamy topping.

• In a mixing bowl, combine 115g of cream cheese, 115g of butter, 90g of powdered sugar, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and fluffy cream.

Step 5: Decorate Your Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Now comes the fun part—decorating your cupcakes to resemble Christmas trees.

• Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a piping bag with a star-shaped tip to pipe the cream onto each cupcake. Start from the base and swirl upwards to create a tree-like shape.
• For a festive touch, you can use colored sprinkles, edible glitter, or small decorative candies as ornaments on your Christmas trees.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these cupcakes in advance? A: Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and decorate them just before serving to ensure they stay fresh.

Q: Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making the cream topping? A: Yes, you can save time by using store-bought frosting, but homemade cream adds a delightful flavor.

Q: Can I make these cupcakes without lemon flavor? A: Of course! You can omit the lemon peel and juice if you prefer a different flavor.

Q: How long can I store these cupcakes? A: These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Q: Can I use food coloring to tint the cream for different tree colors? A: Yes, you can add food coloring to the cream to create various tree colors, such as green or even red for a festive twist.

Q: Can I involve my kids in decorating these cupcakes? A: Absolutely! This is a fun and creative activity for kids. Let them have a blast decorating their own Christmas tree cupcakes.

Baking Christmas tree cupcakes is not just about creating delectable treats; it’s about crafting edible works of art that capture the holiday spirit. These cupcakes are a delightful addition to your festivities, whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or gifting them to loved ones. Get ready to spread joy and cheer with every bite!