Santa Hat Chocolate Cupcakes: 5 Reasons You Need These Festive Treats!

Name: Santa Hat Chocolate Cupcakes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups All-purpose flour (Sifted); 1 cup Granulated sugar; 0.5 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder; 1.5 tsp Baking soda; 0.75 tsp Baking powder; 0.75 tsp Salt; 0.75 cup Buttermilk; 0.5 cup Vegetable oil; 1 large Egg; 2 tsp Vanilla extract; 0.75 cup Hot water; 1 cup Unsalted butter (Softened); 3 cups Powdered sugar; 0.25 cup Milk; 1 tsp Vanilla extract; Red food coloring; Mini marshmallows

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By: Bennett Claire
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Posted: 07/13/2025

What is the cutest Christmas treat you have ever seen?Santa Hat Chocolate Cupcakes: How do you makeEvery time I make these, I feel like I’m transported to the North Pole. What are some of the best Little Debbie Christmas tree cakes? Think of these as the gourmet, homemade version – but in cupcake form. What are some of the easiest to Make cookies? Can pull them off and a total crowd-pleaser. What are some of the Best Christmas recipes?

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What is Santa Hat Chocolate Cupcake?

What exactly is a ‘skill’?Santa Hat Chocolate Cupcakes: What are some goodWhat do you think of chocolate cupcakes? Santa hat, and finished with a bright red strawberry “pom-pom. What is a chocolate cupcake that’s been dressed up for Christmas? The name comes from the obvious resemblance to Santa’s iconic hat. What is a fun, playful dessert that’s perfect for holiday parties, school bake sales, or just as the perfect family treat? Night in with the family. What’s your favorite way to make edible art?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Why do I adore these books?Santa Hat Chocolate Cupcakes. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. You have the moist, rich chocolate cupcake base, which is perfectly balanced by the sweet, creamy frosting. The strawberry adds a burst of fresh, fruity flavor that cuts through the richness, making each bite absolutely divine. What I love most about this is how incredibly easy they are to make. You can use your favorite boxed chocolate cake mix (shhh, I won’t tell!) or make it from scratch – either way, the process is straightforward and foolproof. Plus, the ingredients are super budget-friendly. You probably have most of them in your pantry already!

Is there a reason why these are so versatile? What are the different types of frosting? ), experiment with different extracts (a little peppermint would be perfect for Christmas! ), or even add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey kick. I’ve made mini versions of these for holiday parties, and they were a huge hit! What are some of the best cupcakes ever? What are some good alternatives to regular vanilla cupcakes?

How do you make Santa Hat Chocolate Cupcakes?

Quick Overview

Making these adorable cupcakes.Santa Hat Chocolate Cupcakes is easier than you might think! First, you’ll bake your favorite chocolate cupcakes (from scratch or a mix – your call!). While they cool, you’ll whip up a batch of fluffy white frosting. Then comes the fun part: piping the frosting in a swirl to resemble a Santa hat and adding a strawberry “pom-pom” on top. It’s quick, simple, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. The secret is in the frosting swirl technique – a little practice and you’ll be a pro in no time! No need to buy expensive ingredients you will probably have everything already in the pantry.

Ingredients

What is the recipe for chocolate cupcakes?
* 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box) OR your favorite homemade chocolate cookie mix. What is the Best Chocolate cupcake recipe? I use Devil’s food cake mix and it’ is always moist and delicious. * 1/2 cup vegetable oil (if using a mix, adjust as needed) * 1 cup water (or milk for richer) ) * 3 large eggs.

For the Santa Hat Frosting:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. Make sure the butter is actually softened – this is crucial for a smooth frosting!
* 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted. Sifting is important to avoid lumps in your frosting.
* 1/4 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
* 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
* Pinch of salt

For the Santa Hat Topping:
* 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled. Choose a strawberry of similar size and shape for uniform look.

What is the step-

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This is super important because it prevents the cupcakes from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I always do this before I even start measuring ingredients, so everything is ready to go!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

If you’re using a cake mix, simply pour the mix into the bowl. If you’re making cupcakes from scratch, follow the dry ingredient instructions in your recipe. Make sure to whisk the dry ingredients together well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. What is the best way to remove baking soda from cupcakes?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: oil, water, eggs, and salt. Set aside. Whisk until everything is well combined and the eggs are fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy. I always make sure the eggs are at room temperature – it helps them blend better with the other ingredients.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough, dry cupcakes. Mix until the batter is smooth and there are no visible lumps of flour. I always scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

This step isn’t about filling, but rather a preparation step. While cupcakes are cooling, wash and hull your strawberries. Cut off the tops of strawberries so that they have a flat base. How do you put them on top of frosting hats? I usually do this while the cupcakes are baking, so I’m not just standing around waiting!

Step 6: Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Is it safe to bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean? How long does it take to bake a cake? I always start checking for doneness around 18 minutes.

Step 7: Cool & Glaze

Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from getting soggy. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the milk (or heavy cream), vanilla extract, and salt, and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Frost & Assemble

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, it’s time to frost them! Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with an 8-inch round tip (or just snip off the end of the tip). How do I pipe a swirl of frosting onto cupcakes? How do you make a Santa hat? What is a strawberry pom-pom? Gently press it onto the top of each frosting hat.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy

Serve your adorable Santa Hat Chocolate Cupcakes. What are some goodWhat are some of the best things you Can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For a day or two.

What should I serve it with?

These Santa Hat Chocolate Cupcakes: What are some good are perfect on their own, but if you want to take your dessert spread to the next level, here are a few serving suggestions:

For a Christmas Brunch: Arrange the cupcakes on a festive platter alongside a bowl of fresh berries and a pitcher of hot chocolate. They make a beautiful and delicious addition to any holiday brunch.

What are some ideas for a holiday party?Serve cupcakes as part of a dessert buffet with other Christmas-themed treats, like Sugar Cookies. Gingerbread men, and peppermint bark. They’re always a crowd pleaser!

For a Cozy Night In: Curl up on the couch with a Santa Hat Chocolate Cupcake and a warm mug of coffee or tea. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day.

For a Kid’s Party: Make a festive display with the cupcakes, a bowl of popcorn, and a Christmas movie marathon. Trust me, the kids will love it!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Santa Hat Chocolate Cupcakes

Want to make sure your Santa Hat Chocolate Cupcakes are absolutely perfect? Here are a few of my top tips:

Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is truly softened to room temperature before making the frosting. This will ensure a smooth and creamy frosting without any lumps.

Sifted Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar is crucial for preventing lumps in your frosting. It’s an extra step, but it’s definitely worth it!

Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the cupcake batter. Overmixing can lead to tough, dry cupcakes. Mix until the batter is just combined.

Cool Completely: Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting them. Otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide right off.

Practice Your Swirl: Practice piping the frosting swirl on a plate or piece of parchment paper before frosting the cupcakes. This will help you get the hang of the technique and ensure a beautiful, even swirl.

Strawberry Size: Choose strawberries that are a similar size and shape for a uniform look. This will make your Santa hats look more professional.

Vanilla Upgrade: Experiment by using some almond extract to boost the strawberry flavor.

Flavor Boost: The strawberries can be macerated in a little sugar for extra sweetness.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s How to store your Santa Hat Chocolate Cupcakes to keep them fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: You can store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the frosting might soften slightly.

Refrigerator: For longer storage, you can store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The frosting will harden in the fridge, so let the cupcakes sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.

Freezer: To freeze the cupcakes, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw the cupcakes in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Frosting Timing: It’s best to frost the cupcakes just before serving for the best flavor and texture. If you’re storing them, you can store the frosting separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let the frosting come to room temperature before using and whip it with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix or gluten-free chocolate cupcake recipe. I recommend using a blend of gluten-free flours, like rice flour, almond flour, and tapioca starch, for the best texture. You might need to add a little extra liquid to the batter to compensate for the dryness of the gluten-free flours.

Do I need to peel the strawberries?

No, you don’t need to peel the strawberries! Just hull them and cut off the tops to create a flat base for the “pom-poms.” The peel is perfectly edible and adds a nice texture and color to the cupcakes.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

You can definitely adapt this recipe to make muffins! Just fill the muffin cups a little higher than you would for cupcakes, and bake for a few minutes longer. The baking time will depend on the size of your muffin tin, so keep a close eye on them. The frosting technique is the same just needs less attention to detail as they will be a bit smaller

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet cupcake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cupcake batter or frosting. For the cupcakes, try reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup. For the frosting, start with 3 cups of powdered sugar and add more as needed until you reach your desired sweetness level.

What can I use instead of the frosting?

If you’re not a fan of frosting, you can dust the cupcakes with powdered sugar or drizzle them with melted chocolate instead. Or, for a healthier option, top them with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my recipe for the most adorable and delicious Santa Hat Chocolate Cupcakes! These cupcakes are so easy to make and are always a hit at parties, bake sales, or even just a cozy night in. If you are looking for a Christmas recipe that is fun to make with your family this is the one for you. The best part is how festive and fun they are to make!

I truly hope you give these a try, and I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you! Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your own variations or tips – I love hearing from you all! And if you’re looking for more festive holiday treats, be sure to check out my other recipes. Happy baking, friends!

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