Christmas Tree Cupcakes Recipe (Easy Ice Cream Cone Method)
These Christmas tree cupcakes are ready in just 30 minutes and use a clever ice cream cone trick that makes them look like miniature Christmas trees. Perfect for holiday parties, classroom treats, or festive family baking, these cute cupcakes are as fun to decorate as they are to eat.
The secret? Sugar or waffle cones dipped in green candy melts and decorated with mini M&Ms create an instant Christmas tree effect. Kids love helping with this easy holiday dessert, and you’ll love how impressive they look with minimal effort.
If you are looking for cute Christmas cupcakes that the kids can help you make, then this easy Christmas tree cupcake recipe is the recipe for you. You can let the kids decorate the Christmas tree toppers, and they will have so much fun doing it.
Table of Contents
Why you should make these Christmas Tree Cone Cupcakes
- Easy To Make – The best part is these cupcakes make for a great festive dessert when you are in a hurry for a holiday party.
- Fun to Make – Not only are these simple cupcakes delicious, but they are also fun to make and easy to customize.
- Inexpensive – All the ingredients you need for this recipe are easy to find in your local grocery store, helping you keep food costs down.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this Christmas Tree Brownie Bites recipe.
Ingredients For Christmas Tree Cupcakes
- Sugar or Waffle Cones: The ice cream cone forms the Christmas tree shape. You can choose either based on your preference, but both will provide a crunchy texture that contrasts well with the soft cupcake base.
- Green Candy Melts: These are used to give our Christmas tree its vibrant, festive green. They melt easily and provide a smooth coating for the cone.
- Coconut Oil or Vegetable Shortening: This ingredient is crucial for ensuring the candy melts achieve the right consistency. Coconut oil adds a hint of tropical flavor, whereas vegetable shortening is a neutral choice.
- Mini M&M Candies: They serve as the ornaments on our Christmas tree, adding a pop of color and a sweet crunch.
- Star Sprinkles: These are the final touches on our Christmas tree, symbolizing the star at its very top. They add a sparkle to our delicious cupcakes.
- Frosted Cupcakes: This is the foundation of our dessert. You can choose one of your favorite cupcake recipes or opt for a store-bought cake mix for convenience.
Substitutions and Variations
- You can use any type of candy on these cones. I just like the M&M’s but use what you have on hand.
- Try using different-shaped fun sprinkles for different looks.
- Add nuts or dried fruit to the top of the cone for another look or to suit a different cupcake flavor, such as a strawberry-flavored cupcake.
- Try different types of cones for the shape of a tree, like chocolate sugar cones, for a tasty and crunchy topping.
- You can use melted almond bark that you’ve dyed green with green food coloring instead of candy melts.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
How To Make Christmas Tree Cupcakes
- Put the green candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them for 30-second intervals, stirring after each. If they get too hot or don’t melt smoothly, add 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil or vegetable shortening. Stir until well mixed. (Photo 1)
- Hold the cone in one hand and spoon a thin layer of green candy over it with the other. Tap the cone lightly to let extra candy drip off. (Photo 2)
- While the candy is still wet, stick the candies and sprinkles to the cone for the finishing touch. (Photos 3 & 4)
- Let the decorated cone dry on the baking sheet, wire rack, or cooling rack covered with parchment paper. Once it’s dry, put a cone on top of each cupcake.
Expert Tips
- For an easy alternative, take a chocolate cupcake and add crushed peppermint to it for a festive touch.
- Don’t want to make your own cupcakes? No problem! You can buy store-bought ones and add this same technique on top of it.
- Make sure your cupcakes are completely cooled before adding the decorated cone. If the cupcakes are still warm, the heat could start to melt the candy coating on the cone.
- Feel free to get creative with your decorations. The mini M&Ms are just a suggestion – you can use any type of candy or edible decoration you prefer.
- If you’re short on time, consider purchasing pre-made frosted cupcakes from your local bakery or grocery store. You can then focus on making and decorating the Christmas tree cones.
- If you’re not a fan of coconut oil or vegetable shortening, you can use butter for the candy melts. It gives a richer flavor and also helps in achieving a smooth consistency.
- For a fun variation, consider adding some food coloring to your cupcake batter. This can create a festive multi-colored effect when you slice into your cupcake.
Storing Tips
- Storage: Store your festive Christmas tree cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: If your home is warm or the frosting is cream cheese-based, store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. If your container isn’t tall enough, store the decorated cones separately in a resealable bag and place them on the cupcakes just before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and decorating. The decorated cones can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Make-Ahead: For best results, bake and frost the cupcakes up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare the Christmas tree cones separately and store them at room temperature. Assemble the cupcakes just before serving to prevent the cones from getting soggy.
What To Serve With Christmas Tree Cupcakes
These Christmas tree cupcakes pair beautifully with a hot cocoa bar featuring peppermint hot cocoa bombs or warm mulled apple cider. Add easy Grinch sugar cookies or Christmas cracker candy to round out your dessert spread with complementary flavors and textures.
Create a festive cupcake collection by making Santa hat cupcakes and easy elf hat cupcakes alongside these tree toppers. Kids love having options, and the variety makes your dessert table photo-worthy.
For Christmas Eve finger foods gatherings, these individual cupcakes work perfectly as dessert since guests can grab one while mingling. Arrange them on a tiered stand with Christmas tree brownie bites for an impressive holiday display.
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Recipe FAQs
You can bake the cupcakes 1-2 days ahead and store them in an airtight container. Prepare the decorated cones up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately. Assemble the Christmas tree cupcakes just before serving to prevent the cones from getting soggy. This makes them perfect for holiday party prep.
While chocolate is classic, vanilla, red velvet, or peppermint cupcakes all work beautifully. The neutral flavor of the sugar cone pairs well with any cupcake base. For extra festive flair, add crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles to your cupcake batter.
Yes, the cones can be prepared up to a day in advance. Just ensure they are stored in a cool, dry place to prevent the candy coating from melting.
Absolutely! White candy melts create snowy trees, red makes festive red trees, or mix colors for a rainbow effect. You could even make pink or purple trees for a whimsical twist. The technique stays the same regardless of color.
es! These Christmas tree cupcakes are perfect for classroom celebrations. They’re nut-free (if you avoid certain candies), easy for kids to eat, and visually exciting. Just check with your school about their allergen policies before bringing them in.
You can store the frosted cupcakes at room temperature for a day or two. However, if you’re not serving them immediately, it’s best to store the decorated cones and the cupcakes separately to avoid the cones getting soggy. Attach the cones just before serving.
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Easy Christmas Tree Cupcakes to Make at Home
Ingredients
- 12 sugar or waffle cones
- 1 bag green candy melts
- 2 to 4 teaspoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening
- Mini M&M candies
- Star sprinkles
- 12 frosted cupcakes homemade recipe or store-bought
Instructions
- Put the green candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them for 30-second intervals, stirring after each. If they get too hot or don't melt smoothly, add 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil or vegetable shortening. Stir until well mixed.1 bag green candy melts,2 to 4 teaspoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening,12 frosted cupcakes
- Hold the cone in one hand and spoon a thin layer of green candy over it with the other. Tap the cone lightly to let extra candy drip off.12 sugar or waffle cones
- While the candy is still wet, stick the candies and sprinkles to the cone for the finishing touch.Star sprinkles,Mini M&M candies
- Let the decorated cone dry on the baking sheet, wire rack, or cooling rack covered with parchment paper. Once it’s dry, put a cone on top of each cupcake.
Kim’s Notes
- For an easy alternative, take a chocolate cupcake and add crushed peppermint to it for a festive touch.
- Don’t want to make your own cupcakes? No problem! You can buy store-bought ones and add this same technique on top of it.
- Make sure your cupcakes are completely cooled before adding the decorated cone. If the cupcakes are still warm, the heat could start to melt the candy coating on the cone.
- Feel free to get creative with your decorations. The mini M&Ms are just a suggestion – you can use any type of candy or edible decoration you prefer.
- If you’re short on time, consider purchasing pre-made frosted cupcakes from your local bakery or grocery store. You can then focus on making and decorating the Christmas tree cones.
- If you’re not a fan of coconut oil or vegetable shortening, you can use butter for the candy melts. It gives a richer flavor and also helps in achieving a smooth consistency.
- For a fun variation, consider adding some food coloring to your cupcake batter. This can create a festive multi-colored effect when you slice into your cupcake.
Nutrition Information
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