Holiday Sprinkle Cupcakes: 5 Steps to Sweet Joy

Name: Holiday Sprinkle Cupcakes: 5 Steps to Sweet Joy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup holiday sprinkles

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 18, 2025

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Oh, the magic of the holiday season! One of my absolute favorite traditions is whipping up a batch of Holiday Sprinkle Cupcakes. There’s just something about the way the colorful sprinkles dance on top that instantly brings smiles and excitement. These cupcakes are like little bites of joy, perfect for any festive gathering or cozy family get-together.

Growing up, my kitchen was always filled with laughter and the sweet aroma of baking. I can still hear my grandmother’s cheerful voice as we’d mix and measure ingredients together. She believed in the power of sprinkles to brighten up even the dullest winter days! Now, I carry on that tradition, inviting my kids into the kitchen to create our own sprinkle-filled masterpieces. It’s become our special way to celebrate the season and bond over something delicious. Trust me, once you taste these fluffy, flavor-packed cupcakes, you’ll see why they’ve become a holiday staple in our home. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to sweeten your festive celebrations!

Holiday Sprinkle Cupcakes - detail 1

Ingredients for Holiday Sprinkle Cupcakes

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a dozen delicious Holiday Sprinkle Cupcakes. Gather these ingredients before you start, and let’s make sure you have all the right stuff to create these festive delights!

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy. We want light and fluffy cupcakes, not dense ones!
1 cup granulated sugar: The sweet base for our cupcakes. It’s what gives that fantastic sweetness that balances everything out.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Let the butter sit out for about 30 minutes before you start. It should be soft enough to leave a dent when you press it but not melted.
2 large eggs: Bring these to room temperature if you can! This helps with a smooth batter.
1/2 cup milk: Whole milk works best, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Just make sure it’s at room temperature for better mixing.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a lovely depth of flavor. Always go for pure vanilla if you can—it makes a difference!
2 teaspoons baking powder: This is our leavening agent, helping the cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors—trust me, it’s essential!
1 cup holiday sprinkles: The star of the show! You can use traditional rainbow sprinkles, festive shapes, or whatever makes you smile.

With these ingredients ready to go, you’re all set to bake up some joy! Let’s move on to the fun part—preparing these delightful cupcakes!

How to Prepare Holiday Sprinkle Cupcakes

Let’s get those festive vibes going! Making Holiday Sprinkle Cupcakes is a straightforward process, and I’m here to guide you through each step so you can achieve cupcake perfection. Ready? Let’s do it!

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Tray

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and rise properly. While that’s heating up, line your cupcake tin with liners. I love using colorful holiday-themed liners that match the sprinkles—it just adds to the festive spirit! Make sure to press them into the wells so they sit flat.

Creaming Butter and Sugar

Now, let’s cream that butter and sugar together! In a large mixing bowl, add your softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is super important because it incorporates air, giving your cupcakes that wonderful, airy texture. You want it to look pale and creamy—like a cloud of sweetness!

Mixing Wet Ingredients

Next, it’s time to add the wet ingredients. Crack those two large eggs into the bowl, then pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Mix everything together on low speed until just combined—about 30 seconds should do it! Be careful not to overmix here; we just want a smooth batter without lumps. You’ll love the rich aroma of vanilla filling your kitchen!

Combining Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is key—it helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour, ensuring a well-risen cupcake. Once combined, gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. You’ll want to stop mixing as soon as you see no more flour streaks—overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, and we want light and fluffy!

Folding in Sprinkles

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in that vibrant cup of holiday sprinkles using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix here, either! You just want to incorporate the sprinkles so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. The goal is to see those festive pops of color in every bite!

Filling the Cupcake Liners

Time to fill those liners! Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full. This is the sweet spot—filling them too high can lead to overflow, and we definitely don’t want that mess! Leave some room for the cupcakes to rise beautifully while baking.

Baking and Cooling

Pop the cupcake tray into your preheated oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready! Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is super important since it prevents sogginess and helps those flavors develop. Ahh, the anticipation of tasting those delightful cupcakes is almost unbearable!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that brings joy and smiles, then Holiday Sprinkle Cupcakes are it! Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even the tiniest chefs can join in the fun!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party, family gathering, or just a cozy night in, these cupcakes are a hit!
Customizable: Swap out the sprinkles for seasonal themes or use different flavor extracts to make them uniquely yours!
Deliciously Fluffy: The light and airy texture paired with that burst of sweetness will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Memorable Moments: Baking these cupcakes brings back warm memories and creates new ones with friends and family around.

These cupcakes not only taste amazing, but they also spread happiness and cheer. So, let’s keep the festive spirit alive and share some sprinkle-topped joy!

FAQ Section

Can I use different types of sprinkles?

Absolutely! One of the best things about Holiday Sprinkle Cupcakes is their versatility when it comes to sprinkles. You can go with traditional rainbow sprinkles for a classic look, or get creative with seasonal shapes like snowflakes or Christmas trees! You might even try chocolate sprinkles for a fun twist or use edible glitter to add some sparkle. The choice is yours! Just make sure whatever you pick complements the festive spirit of your cupcakes. Trust me, sprinkles are the icing on the cake, literally and figuratively!

How do I store leftover cupcakes?

If you happen to have any cupcakes left (which is rare in my house!), storing them properly is key to keeping them fresh. Let the cupcakes cool completely before storing them. I recommend placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about 2-3 days this way. If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge for up to a week, but be warned—they might get a bit dry. You can also freeze them for up to three months; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours!

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can definitely make Holiday Sprinkle Cupcakes gluten-free! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Many brands offer great alternatives that work beautifully in baking. Make sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor and festive spirit will still shine through! You might want to add a little extra moisture or a touch of xanthan gum, depending on the blend you choose. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each delightful Holiday Sprinkle Cupcake. Keep in mind that these values are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredients used!

Calories: 180
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 2g

These cupcakes are a delightful treat to share during the holidays, and even though they’re sweet, they’re also a fun way to indulge without going overboard. Enjoy every bite, and remember to savor the joy they bring!

Tips for Success

Let’s make sure your Holiday Sprinkle Cupcakes turn out perfectly every time! Here are some of my favorite pro tips:

Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so be precise when measuring your ingredients. Use a kitchen scale if you have one for the best results!
Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your eggs and milk to room temperature helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes, and we want them light and fluffy!
Cool Completely: Make sure to let your cupcakes cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and keeps it looking beautiful!
Have Fun with Toppings: Get creative with your frosting and sprinkle combinations. Mixing and matching can lead to a delightful surprise!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress everyone with your holiday baking skills!

Variations of Holiday Sprinkle Cupcakes

Ready to switch things up with your Holiday Sprinkle Cupcakes? There are so many fun variations you can try to make these festive treats even more exciting! Here are a few ideas:

Flavor Extract Swaps: Instead of vanilla extract, use almond or peppermint extract for a delightful twist. You’ll get a whole new flavor profile that’s perfect for the holidays!
Citrus Zing: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing, bright note. It pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cupcakes.
Mix-Ins Galore: Fold in mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or even chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. These little surprises will make each bite even more delightful!
Frosting Fun: Experiment with different frosting types, like cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache, to change the overall taste. Don’t forget to top with seasonal sprinkles!

These variations not only keep things interesting, but they also allow you to personalize your cupcakes for every festive occasion. Have fun getting creative in the kitchen!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Holiday Sprinkle Cupcakes properly will keep them fresh and delicious for days! Once they’ve completely cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about 2-3 days. If you’re looking to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but be aware they might dry out a bit. For even longer storage, freeze the cupcakes! Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for about three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen cupcake, simply move it to the fridge overnight to thaw or let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours. If you want to warm it up, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it—nobody likes a rubbery cupcake!