Fun Green Elf Hat Cupcakes (Elf on the Shelf Inspired)

Elf Cupcakes are festive and fun and make for an excellent dessert for your holiday party. These hat-shaped elf-inspired cupcakes are a great way to celebrate the season and will definitely be enjoyed by young and old alike at your next gathering.

Three elf hat cupcakes with green cloth on the side.

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The best part about Elf Cupcakes is that you don’t have to worry about baking skills since these Christmas cupcakes are so simple to make. You can whip up the perfect treat in no time at all.

Want more delicious Christmas cake recipes to try out? If you loved this recipe and you’d like some more Christmas-themed desserts, you could stick with the hat theme and make some Santa hat cupcakes, too! Or, for a chocolate Christmas Eve option, make some Christmas tree brownie bites.

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this Christmas Tree Cupcake recipe.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive—These cupcakes are a great way to celebrate the holidays. With this recipe, you can whip up a batch in no time at all.
Easy to make – these cupcakes are easy to make, even for novice bakers. Get the kids in the kitchen to help you bake these treats; they will have so much fun creating these mini elf hats.
Make-Ahead – you can make them days in advance. Just store them covered at room temperature until ready to serve. Prefect make ahead for your Christmas Party.

What’s In This Elf Cupcakes Recipe

Marshmallows, ice cream cones, white almond bark, green candy melts, and cupcakes.

Ice cream cones – These form the base of the hat, providing a fun and crunchy element to the cupcake.
Green candy melts – Used to coat the ice cream cones, these melts give the hats their festive, bright green color.
White candy melts or white almond bark – Perfect for creating decorative elements like the hat’s trim, adding flavor and contrast.
Coconut oil or vegetable shortening – Helps smooth out the candy melts, making them easier to work with and ensuring a glossy finish.
Marshmallows – These add a soft and fluffy addition to the hat, often used as the pom-pom on top.
Frosted cupcakes – The foundation of this special treat, you can use homemade or store-bought cupcakes, providing a delicious and moist base for the elf hats.

Substitutions and Variations

If you have an allergy, omit the marshmallow and top it with a cherry candy.
These cupcakes can also be made with a chocolate cone.
Prepare your favorite cupcake recipe, or use store-bought frosted cupcakes for this dessert.
You can substitute any holiday candy melts for the green and white candy melts.

How To Make Elf Hat Cupcakes (step-by-step directions)

Line a baking sheet with wax paper.
Place the green candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. If the melts overheat or aren’t smooth enough, add 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil or vegetable shortening and stir well. (Photo 1)
Holding an ice cream cone, spoon the green candy over it. Tap gently to let the excess drip back into the bowl.
While the green candy melts are still wet, place a marshmallow on top of the cone. (Photo 2)

Place the white candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. If the melts overheat or aren’t smooth enough, add 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil or vegetable shortening and stir well.
Holding the cone, spoon the white candy around the rim. Tap gently to let the excess drip back into the bowl. Allow the candy to dry completely. (Photo 3)
Set the cones on the prepared baking sheet to dry. Once dry, place one elf hat on top of the cupcake. (Photo 4)

Chocolate cupcake topped with ice cream cone decorated as elf hat.

Recipe Tips

Kids can help with this recipe. You can have the kids spoon the green candy melts over the cone and top as desired for a fun activity.
You can make these Elf Hat Cupcakes days ahead and store them covered at room temperature until ready to serve.
Use a fork or toothpick to help steady the cones while applying the candy melts to avoid messy hands.
Allow plenty of time for the candy melts to set and dry completely before placing them on the cupcakes.
Experiment with different colors for a variety of hat styles, adding extra flair to your holiday dessert spread.
If desired, add edible glitter or sprinkles to the wet candy melts for extra decoration and festive appeal.

Storing Tips

These Elf Hat Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container or ziploc bag for up to five days. I don’t suggest storing your cupcake with the Elf hat cone on top. Keep your cones in a storage bag and add them to the top of the cupcakes when you are ready to serve them.

Chocolate cupcakes topped ice cream cone coated with green chocolate melts and marshmallows.

Serving Suggestions

Elf Cupcakes make a delightful centerpiece for any holiday dessert table, and pairing them with other festive treats can create a well-rounded and enjoyable spread. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside your Elf Hat Cupcakes:

Hot Chocolate: A warm, cozy beverage that complements cupcakes’ sweet, rich flavors. Set up a hot chocolate bar with various toppings like whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and peppermint sticks. Or make homemade Peppermint hot cocoa bombs.
Fruit Platter: Fresh, colorful fruits like strawberries, grapes, and kiwi can balance the sweetness of the cupcakes and add a refreshing element to your dessert offerings.
Holiday Cookies: Classic Christmas cookies such as gingerbread, Grinch themed sugar cookies, or shortbread can add variety and charm to your holiday dessert table.
Peppermint Bark or Candy Canes: This seasonal favorite is easy to make and pairs well with the flavors of the Elf Hat Cupcakes.
Coffee or Tea: Provide options for guests who prefer a hot beverage with their dessert. Brew a pot of holiday-flavored coffee or serve spiced tea for a festive touch.

By combining these options, you can create a delightful and festive spread that will impress your guests and make your holiday celebration truly memorable.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other decorations on the Elf Hat Cones?

Yes! You can stick candy on the elf hats while the candy melts are still wet, or you can even use edible glitter or sprinkles to personalize your elf hat cupcakes.

Can I make the Elf Hat Cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these cupcakes gluten-free by using gluten-free ice cream cones and a gluten-free cupcake recipe or store-bought cupcakes. Ensure that all other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.

How can I prevent the candy melts from cracking?

To prevent the candy melts from cracking, make sure they are melted smoothly and evenly, and avoid applying too thick a layer. Adding a small amount of coconut oil or vegetable shortening can also help achieve a smooth and glossy finish and reduce the chances of cracking.

Can I use different flavors of candy melts for the elf hats?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different-flavored candy melts to add a unique twist to your Elf Hat Cupcakes. Vanilla, chocolate, or mint-flavored melts can enhance these treats’ taste and holiday spirit.

More Christmas Recipes We Love

Hot Chocolate Spoons
Peanut Butter Fudge
Christmas Tree Brownie Bites
Gingerbread Hot Cocoa Bombs
Reindeer Glazed Donuts
See all our festive Christmas recipes!

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Chocolate cupcakes topped with green, candy coated ice cream cones and marshmallows to look like elf hats.

5 from 1 vote