If you’re looking for a delightful and creative way to bring some extra sparkle to your holiday celebrations, these Easy Twinkling Christmas Light Cupcakes are just what you need! These cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually stunning, decorated with colorful candy lights that make them look just like a string of twinkling Christmas lights. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a family gathering, or just to spread some festive cheer, these cupcakes will be a showstopper!

What makes these cupcakes so special is their colorful and whimsical design, combined with a soft, fluffy vanilla cupcake base and a sweet, creamy buttercream frosting. The cupcakes are decorated with bright, colorful candy “lights” that mimic the look of real Christmas lights, making them a fun and festive treat that’s sure to impress. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and a little creativity.

I first made these Easy Twinkling Christmas Light Cupcakes for a holiday gathering with friends, and they were an instant hit. The bright, cheerful colors and the delicious vanilla flavor make them a perfect holiday dessert. Now, they’ve become a yearly tradition in my home, and I’m sure they’ll be a favorite in yours too!

Why These Easy Twinkling Christmas Light Cupcakes Will Be Your New Favorite

• Festive and fun: These cupcakes are a creative and fun way to celebrate the holidays, with their bright, colorful lights making them visually stunning.
• Delicious and fluffy: The vanilla cupcakes are light and airy, topped with a creamy buttercream frosting that’s perfectly sweet without being overpowering.
• Customizable: You can easily customize the colors of the “lights” to match your holiday theme, or use different candy shapes to make them your own.
• Great for all ages: Kids will love helping decorate these cupcakes, and they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for gifting: These cupcakes make a wonderful homemade gift or treat to bring to holiday parties and gatherings.

What You Need For Easy Twinkling Christmas Light Cupcakes

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix (or your favorite homemade vanilla cake recipe)
• Ingredients required for the cake mix (typically eggs, oil, and water)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Food coloring (red, green, yellow, blue, etc., for the lights)

For the Twinkling Christmas Lights (Decoration):

• Colorful candy-coated chocolates (like M&Ms or Skittles)
• Black licorice or black string candy (for the “wires”)
• Mini marshmallows or white candy pearls (optional, for “glowing” lights)

How to Make Easy Twinkling Christmas Light Cupcakes

1. Bake the cupcakes: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box (usually 350°F or 175°C). Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions, adding vanilla extract for extra flavor. Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full with the batter, and bake as directed. Let the cupcakes cool completely before decorating.
2. Make the buttercream frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and continue to beat until smooth. Add vanilla extract, and then add milk or heavy cream a little at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Divide the frosting into separate bowls for each color you want to use for the “lights” and color each with food coloring.
3. Frost the cupcakes: Use a butter knife or piping bag to frost each cupcake with a smooth layer of buttercream. You can make the frosting smooth, or use a star tip for a textured look, depending on your preference.
4. Decorate with “lights”: Once the cupcakes are frosted, use colorful candy-coated chocolates (like M&Ms or Skittles) to create a string of lights on the cupcakes. Place a few candies on the frosting in a curving line to mimic the look of Christmas lights. You can arrange them in a random pattern or make them neat, depending on your design.
5. Add the “wires”: Cut small pieces of black licorice or string candy and place them along the edges of the candy “lights” to resemble the wire that connects the lights. You can use small bits of candy or mini marshmallows to make the lights look like they’re “glowing.”
6. Finish the decorations: If desired, sprinkle the tops with edible glitter for a twinkling effect or add a few white candy pearls for added sparkle. You can also add mini marshmallows or white candy pearls at the top of the “lights” to make them look like they’re glowing.
7. Serve and enjoy: Once decorated, your Easy Twinkling Christmas Light Cupcakes are ready to serve! Enjoy the bright, festive flavors and share with your friends and family.

Tips For Easy Twinkling Christmas Light Cupcakes

• Use a piping bag: For a neater and more professional look, use a piping bag with a round tip to frost the cupcakes evenly.
• Let kids help: These cupcakes are a fun activity for kids, allowing them to help decorate the cupcakes with the candy lights and wires.
• Make them ahead of time: The cupcakes can be baked and frosted a day ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature and decorate them just before serving.
• Customize your colors: Use any colors you like for the lights, or match them to your holiday color theme.

Substitutions and Variations

• Use different candy: If you don’t have M&Ms or Skittles, try using other colorful candy like jelly beans, or even small fruit-flavored gummies for the lights.
• Vegan version: For a dairy-free version, use a vegan cake mix and plant-based butter and milk for the frosting.
• Flavored frosting: Add peppermint extract to the frosting for a holiday twist, or use chocolate frosting for a different flavor.

Make a Healthier Version

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free frosting to make these cupcakes gluten-free.
• Lower sugar: Opt for sugar-free cake mix and powdered sugar alternatives like stevia for a lighter version of these cupcakes.
• Non-dairy: Use non-dairy butter and milk for a dairy-free option.

Closing For Easy Twinkling Christmas Light Cupcakes

And there you have it! These Easy Twinkling Christmas Light Cupcakes are the perfect festive dessert to bring joy to your holiday table. With their colorful lights, delicious frosting, and light, fluffy cake, they’ll be the star of any celebration. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday party, giving them as gifts, or just enjoying them with your family, these cupcakes will make your holidays extra bright. Don’t forget to let us know how your cupcakes turn out, and check out more of our festive recipes for even more fun holiday treats!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Twinkling Christmas Light Cupcakes

Can I make these cupcakes in advance?
Yes! You can bake and frost the cupcakes a day ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature and decorate them the day you plan to serve them.

Can I use a box cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! A box cake mix works perfectly for this recipe, making it an easy and quick option. Just follow the package instructions for the best results.

What kind of frosting should I use?
Buttercream frosting works best for these cupcakes, as it’s easy to color and pipe. You can use store-bought frosting if you’re short on time, but homemade frosting tastes best!

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure the frosting ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I use a different candy for the lights?
Absolutely! You can use any colorful candy you like, such as jelly beans, fruit gummies, or candy-coated chocolates.

Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the baked and frosted cupcakes for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting?
If you’re serving these cupcakes in a warm environment, keep them in a cool place, or refrigerate them for a few minutes before serving to keep the frosting from softening too much.

Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
Yes! You can use dairy-free butter and milk for the frosting, and make sure to use a dairy-free cake mix.

What other decorations can I use for the cupcakes?
You can use candy canes, edible glitter, or even mini marshmallows to make the decorations more festive!

Can I make the cupcakes chocolate-flavored?
Yes! You can substitute the vanilla cake mix with a chocolate cake mix for a chocolate version of these cupcakes.

How do I store leftover cupcakes?
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can refrigerate them for up to a week if needed.

Can I use a piping bag to frost the cupcakes?
Yes! A piping bag with a star tip or round tip will help you create beautiful swirls of frosting on the cupcakes.

Easy Twinkling Christmas Light Cupcakes

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: Chocolate, Dessert, Occasions, Snacks, Weight watchers

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Cupcakes:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix (or your favorite homemade vanilla cake recipe)

• Ingredients required for the cake mix (typically eggs, oil, and water)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3-4 cups powdered sugar

• 1-2 tbsp milk or heavy cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Food coloring (red, green, yellow, blue, etc., for the lights)

• For the Twinkling Christmas Lights (Decoration):

• Colorful candy-coated chocolates (like M&Ms or Skittles)

• Black licorice or black string candy (for the “wires”)

• Mini marshmallows or white candy pearls (optional, for “glowing” lights)

Directions

• Bake the cupcakes: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box (usually 350°F or 175°C). Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions, adding vanilla extract for extra flavor. Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full with the batter, and bake as directed. Let the cupcakes cool completely before decorating.
• Make the buttercream frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and continue to beat until smooth. Add vanilla extract, and then add milk or heavy cream a little at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Divide the frosting into separate bowls for each color you want to use for the “lights” and color each with food coloring.
• Frost the cupcakes: Use a butter knife or piping bag to frost each cupcake with a smooth layer of buttercream. You can make the frosting smooth, or use a star tip for a textured look, depending on your preference.
• Decorate with “lights”: Once the cupcakes are frosted, use colorful candy-coated chocolates (like M&Ms or Skittles) to create a string of lights on the cupcakes. Place a few candies on the frosting in a curving line to mimic the look of Christmas lights. You can arrange them in a random pattern or make them neat, depending on your design.
• Add the “wires”: Cut small pieces of black licorice or string candy and place them along the edges of the candy “lights” to resemble the wire that connects the lights. You can use small bits of candy or mini marshmallows to make the lights look like they’re “glowing.”
• Finish the decorations: If desired, sprinkle the tops with edible glitter for a twinkling effect or add a few white candy pearls for added sparkle. You can also add mini marshmallows or white candy pearls at the top of the “lights” to make them look like they’re glowing.
• Serve and enjoy: Once decorated, your Easy Twinkling Christmas Light Cupcakes are ready to serve! Enjoy the bright, festive flavors and share with your friends and family.