Description
These whimsical North Pole Cupcakes are a delightful holiday treat featuring moist vanilla cupcakes topped with creamy vanilla buttercream. Decorated with festive snowflake sprinkles and topped with a candy ‘pole,’ they bring a cheerful, snowy vibe perfect for holiday parties and celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Vanilla Cupcakes
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Vanilla Buttercream
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Decoration
- Snowflake sprinkles, as desired
- Paper straws, candy canes, or similar items to serve as poles
- White or red candies to top the poles
Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners in a 24-count muffin pan.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Buttercream: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled, frost them using a piping bag fitted with a star tip or simply spread the vanilla buttercream on top in a swirl motion for an elegant look.
- Decorate with Snowflakes and Poles: Lightly dust the frosted cupcakes with snowflake sprinkles for a wintry effect. Insert a paper straw, candy cane, or similar pole-like item vertically into each cupcake. Top the pole with a white or red candy to resemble the classic North Pole sign.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- You can substitute paper straws with striped pretzel rods for an edible pole option.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a festive twist, add a drop of peppermint extract to the buttercream.
- Snowflake sprinkles can be found seasonally at most baking supply stores or made at home using royal icing.
