Cupcake Christmas Tree

Total Time

Prep: 45 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling

Makes

23 servings

Updated: Nov. 05, 2022
Heather McKinley of Mechanic Falls, Maine shared this minty twist on typical cupcakes, then our Test Kitchen arranged them in a tree shape for a pretty presentation. The star on the top of the tree and cute packages tucked beneath are a snap to make with colorful candies.

Ingredients

  • 1 package devil's food cake mix (regular size)
  • 1-1/2 cups mint chocolate chips
  • 6 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 2-2/3 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 4 to 5 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking cocoa
  • 1/4 teaspoon green paste food coloring
  • Candy-coated milk chocolate miniature kisses
  • 2 chocolate stars
  • 12 Starburst candies

Directions

  1. Prepare cake batter mix according to package directions for cupcakes; fold in chips. Fill foil-lined muffin cups two-thirds full.
  2. Bake at 350° for 18-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  3. For frosting, in a large bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in milk and extracts until blended. Transfer 2 tablespoons to a small bowl; stir in cocoa. Stir green food coloring into remaining frosting.
  4. Frost 21 cupcakes with green frosting; arrange in a pyramid to form a tree. Decorate all but the top cupcake with miniature kisses for lights. Frost two cupcakes with chocolate frosting and place at base of tree for trunk; top each with a chocolate star. Save remaining cupcake for another use.
  5. With a rolling pin, roll two yellow Starburst candies flat; cut with 2-in. and 1-1/2-in. star-shaped cookie cutters. Press smaller star onto larger star; place on cupcake at top of tree.
  6. For presents, roll five Starburst candies into 3x3/4-in. rectangles; cut each rectangle into four 3-in.-long strips. Place two strips widthwise on one whole Starburst candy; press together at base to attach.
  7. For bow, form two strips into figure eights; press together in center and press onto wrapped candy. Repeat with remaining strips and remaining four whole Starburst candies. Place presents beneath cupcake tree.
Mint Chips
If mint chocolate chips are not available, place 2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips and 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract in a plastic bag; seal and toss to coat. Allow chips to stand for 24-48 hours.