Santa Hat Cupcake

I am always looking for fun recipes, especially for Christmas. I love this recipe to make Santa Hat cupcakes! The cake is so delicious and the added marshmallows look so cute as Santa Hats! My kids love to help me make Christmas cookies but this year I think we will add some of these cool cup cakes.

What are some of your favorite desserts to make during the holidays?

Santa Hat Cupcake

Cupcake Ingredients:

• 2½ C flour
• 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter, soft, plus 4 tbsp.
• ¼ cup softened shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 Tablespoon Red Velvet extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 Tablespoon Red gel food color

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• Red gel food coloring
• 1 bag of mini marshmallows

Cupcake Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake tins with paper liners and set aside.
2. In a bowl, sift flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Mix well with a wire whisk.
3. In a separate bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter, shortening and sugar until it is light and creamy.
4. Add the egg, vanilla, red velvet extract,  and red gel food coloring and mix well.
5. Add flour and buttermilk, 1/2 of each at a time, mix until completely combined.
6. Spoon the batter into the lined cupcake tins until 2/3  full.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes.
8. Remove from cupcake tins to a wire rack until completely cooled.

Frosting Directions:

1. Cream the butter and cream cheese until creamy.
2. Slowly add powdered sugar until blended. Then add vanilla and beat until thoroughly combined.
3. Scoop the frosting into a pastry bag with a large round tip.
4. Twist the open end of the pastry bag to force the frosting to the tip.
5. Frost the cupcakes by starting on the edge of the cupcake and work toward the center.
6. Place the mini marshmallows along the edge of the frosting to resemble the fur on Santa’s hat.
7. Add another mini marshmallow to the tip of the frosting for the fur ball on Santa’s hat.