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Red Velvet Santa Hat Cupcakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 117 reviews

Red Velvet Santa Hat Cupcakes are a festive and visually delightful holiday treat combining rich red velvet cake with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Christmas celebrations, these cupcakes feature a decorative Santa hat made from fresh strawberries and mini marshmallows, adding charm and sweetness to any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Red Velvet Cupcakes:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp red food coloring (gel or liquid)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

For Decoration:

  • 12 fresh strawberries, tops cut off
  • 12 mini marshmallows
  • Additional cream cheese frosting (for piping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cupcake Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. If desired, use decorative Christmas-themed liners.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to create a uniform dry base for the cupcakes.
  3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until fully combined for a smooth liquid mixture.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the batter light and fluffy.
  5. Bake the Cupcakes: Spoon the batter into the lined muffin tin, filling each liner about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.
  6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and well incorporated.
  7. Pipe the Frosting onto the Cupcakes: Once cool, use a piping bag with a star tip to swirl cream cheese frosting generously on each cupcake, creating a smooth base for decoration.
  8. Add the Santa Hat Decoration: Place a strawberry, cut side down, on top of each cupcake to mimic a Santa hat. Pipe frosting around the strawberry base for the brim, and place a mini marshmallow on top to finish the hat.
  9. Final Touches: Optionally, sprinkle edible glitter or colored sugar over the cupcakes for extra festive sparkle. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Don’t over-mix the batter to prevent dense cupcakes; mix only until ingredients are just combined.
  • Use gel food coloring for a richer red color without thinning the batter.
  • Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Prepare cream cheese frosting in advance and refrigerate, stirring before use.
  • Customize decorations using other berries or candies for creative Santa hat variations.

Keywords: Red Velvet Cupcakes, Christmas Cupcakes, Holiday Desserts, Cream Cheese Frosting, Santa Hat Cupcakes, Festive Baking

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/red-velvet-santa-hat-cupcakes-recipe/