Description

This whimsical Elf Hat Cupcake Tower recipe features moist vanilla cupcakes topped with colorful buttercream frosting and charming elf hat decorations made from sugar cones covered in vibrant fondant. Perfect for holiday parties and festive gatherings, these fun cupcakes combine classic flavors with playful design to create an eye-catching dessert centerpiece.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcakes

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk

Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Gel food coloring in red, green, yellow, and blue

Elf Hat Decorations

24 sugar cones
Colored fondant or modeling chocolate in red, green, yellow, and white
Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional)
Mini marshmallows or white chocolate chips for hat pom-poms
Piping gel or melted white chocolate for attaching decorations

Instructions

Prepare Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 12-cup muffin pans with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt evenly to ensure a consistent rise and flavor.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and then mix in the vanilla extract.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry flour mixture and whole milk alternately to the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined after each addition to maintain a tender crumb.
Fill and Bake Cupcakes: Evenly divide the batter among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare Buttercream Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar while mixing. Blend in vanilla extract and milk, then continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Divide the frosting into separate bowls and tint each with your desired gel food coloring shades.
Decorate Cupcakes: Using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, pipe a generous swirl of colored buttercream frosting onto each cooled cupcake, creating a smooth base for the elf hats.
Create Elf Hats: Cover each sugar cone with colored fondant or modeling chocolate, smoothing it evenly. Add decorative accents such as stripes, dots, and brims with contrasting colors. Attach a mini marshmallow or white chocolate chip to the cone tip using piping gel or melted white chocolate for the pom-pom effect. Optionally, sprinkle edible glitter or sprinkles for added sparkle.
Assemble the Cupcake Tower: Carefully press one decorated elf hat atop each frosted cupcake to secure it. Arrange the cupcakes on a tiered stand or platter to form a whimsical and festive elf hat cupcake tower centerpiece.

Notes

Make sure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
Fondant can be colored and shaped ahead of time for easier assembly.
Use a large round piping tip for smooth frosting swirls that support the hats well.
For a neater look, chill cupcakes briefly after frosting before placing elf hats.
Store assembled cupcakes at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Allow refrigerated cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Elf Hat Cupcakes, Holiday Cupcakes, Festive Cupcake Tower, Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream, Sugar Cone Decorations, Christmas Cupcakes