Elf Hat Cupcake Tower (Print Version)

Festive cupcakes topped with colorful elf hat decorations create a whimsical party centerpiece.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cupcakes

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
09 - 1 cup whole milk

→ Buttercream Frosting

10 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
12 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
13 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
14 - Gel food coloring (red, green, yellow, blue)

→ Elf Hat Decorations

15 - 24 sugar cones
16 - Colored fondant or modeling chocolate (red, green, yellow, white)
17 - Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional)
18 - Mini marshmallows or white chocolate chips
19 - Piping gel or melted white chocolate

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two 12-cup muffin pans with cupcake liners.
02 - Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
05 - Spoon batter into cupcake liners, filling about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
06 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract and milk, beating until fluffy. Divide and tint with desired gel food colors.
07 - Pipe buttercream onto cooled cupcakes using a large round tip in a swirling motion.
08 - Coat each sugar cone with colored fondant or modeling chocolate, adding details like stripes and dots. Attach a mini marshmallow or white chocolate chip to the tip using piping gel or melted chocolate. Optionally, add edible glitter or sprinkles.
09 - Place an elf hat on each frosted cupcake and press gently to secure.
10 - Arrange cupcakes on a tiered stand to create a visually appealing tower centerpiece.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Creates a stunning dessert centerpiece perfect for holiday parties.
  • Fun and creative elf hat decorations add whimsy and color.
  • Classic vanilla cupcakes paired with rich buttercream frosting.
  • Medium difficulty offers an enjoyable baking and decorating experience.
  • Vegetarian-friendly recipe suitable for most guests.
02 -
  • Use an electric mixer for creaming butter and sugar to achieve a light texture.
  • Chill your piping bag filled with buttercream for cleaner swirls.
  • Roll fondant on a smooth surface dusted with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
  • Assemble hats on cupcakes shortly before serving to keep decorations fresh.
  • Check allergen information on all decoration materials to accommodate guests.
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