Christmas Light Cupcakes

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (≈180 °C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Baked Bree+1

2. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa (if using), baking powder & soda, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: eggs, milk (or buttermilk), oil (or melted butter), vanilla, and water (or coffee, if using).

4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (don’t overmix).

5. Divide the batter evenly into the liners (fill about ⅔ full).

6. Bake ~ 18–22 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean). Baked Bree+1

7. Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting — this helps the decorations stick properly.

2. Frost the Cupcakes

1. Spread or pipe a swirl of vanilla buttercream frosting on each cooled cupcake. A generous mound works best so the decorations sit nicely. Pillsbury Baking+1

3. Decorate with “Christmas Lights”

1. Using the black decorating gel or icing, draw a loose curvy or zigzag line on top of the frosting to mimic a strand of lights. Messy Momma Crafts+1

2. Take colorful M&Ms and press them on their sides along the black line — spaced evenly — to look like little bulbs. Use 4–8 M&Ms per cupcake, depending on spacing and design. Baked Bree+1

3. Optionally, you can use mini‑M&Ms for more “bulbs” and a tighter, cuter look. Messy Momma Crafts+1

4. Final Touches & Serve

• Once decorated, store cupcakes in an airtight container. If frosting is homemade buttercream, refrigerate — they’ll stay good ~ 2–3 days. Intensive Cake Unit+1

• Let cupcakes come to room temperature before serving so frosting softens a bit.

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Why You’ll Love These “Light-Up” Cupcakes

• They’re festive and fun — perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or a cozy winter treat.

• Kid‑friendly and easy — kids can help decorate by placing M&Ms and drawing the icing “wire.” Great activity for little bakers. Messy Momma Crafts+1

• Versatile — you can use any cupcake flavor (vanilla, chocolate, red velvet…), any frosting (buttercream, cream cheese, store‑bought…) and any candy “lights” (M&Ms, pastel or Christmas-themed, mini or regular).

• Visual impact with minimal effort — they instantly turn regular cupcakes into holiday‑ready treats.

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✅ Tips & Variations

• Use mini M&Ms if you want more “lights” per cupcake — good for smaller cupcakes too. Messy Momma Crafts+1

• You can tint the frosting light green instead of white for a “Christmas tree lights” vibe.

• Instead of chocolate cupcakes, try vanilla or red velvet for a different flavor base.

• For a less-sweet version, reduce frosting slightly or use light buttercream.

• Want less mess with kids? Use pre-baked, store‑bought cupcakes and store‑bought frosting — then let kids decorate. arkansasgirls.com+1

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Conclusion

These Christmas Light Cupcakes are such a delightful way to add festive cheer to your holiday table — simple enough for a last‑minute bake, yet fun and adorable enough to steal the show. Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting a holiday get‑together, or just craving a sweet seasonal treat, these cupcakes bring joy (and sparkle) in every bite. Light them up — and watch smiles light up too.