Snowman Cupcakes Recipe
Introduction
These charming Snowman Cupcakes are a festive treat perfect for winter celebrations or holiday parties. Soft white cupcakes topped with creamy vanilla frosting and decorated with playful marshmallow snowmen bring smiles to kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (plus oil and eggs as indicated on package)
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 1 cup white sugar sprinkles
- 18 large marshmallows
- 36 cinnamon imperials
- 18 Christmas light bulb sprinkles
- 18 Rolo candies
- 3 Twizzler pull n’ peels
- Black writing icing
- 18 mini pretzel sticks
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to the temperature indicated on the box of cake mix (usually 350°F). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Prepare the batter according to package directions and fill each liner about two-thirds full. Bake for the time specified, usually 18–20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cupcakes cool completely for at least 1 hour before frosting.
- Step 2: Make the vanilla frosting by combining softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually add confectioner’s sugar, 2 cups at a time, beating on low until smooth.
- Step 3: Fit a piping bag with your chosen tip and fill it with the frosting.
- Step 4: Using a knife, carefully make a small slit in the center of each marshmallow for the nose. Dab a Christmas light bulb sprinkle with frosting and insert it into the slit. Use black writing icing to draw eyes and a mouth on each marshmallow.
- Step 5: Pipe frosting in a circular pattern onto each cooled cupcake. Sprinkle white sugar sprinkles over the frosting. Gently press a decorated marshmallow onto each cupcake to form the snowman’s head.
- Step 6: Peel apart Twizzler pull n’ peels, leaving 2 or 3 strands together, then cut into pieces about 5 inches long. Wrap a piece around each marshmallow to create a scarf.
- Step 7: Attach two cinnamon imperials vertically on each cupcake as buttons. Insert two mini pretzel sticks into the sides for arms. Dab a small amount of frosting on top of each marshmallow and place a Rolo candy on it to make a hat.
- Step 8: Serve the cupcakes within a few hours, or keep refrigerated and enjoy within 2 days for the best freshness and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For extra stability, chill cupcakes briefly after frosting before adding decorations.
- Substitute Rolos with chocolate-covered caramels or other small chocolate candies for the hats.
- Use colored sugar sprinkles instead of white for a more vibrant look.
- Try adding a drop of orange food coloring to the frosting for a carrot nose instead of the sprinkle.
Storage
Store decorated cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving. Avoid freezing as the marshmallow decorations may become sticky and the frosting texture may change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best to frost and decorate them the same day you plan to serve for optimal freshness.
What can I use if I don’t have black writing icing?
You can use melted chocolate or a fine-tipped food-safe marker to draw eyes and mouths on the marshmallows. Another option is to purchase a small tube of black gel icing found in most baking aisles.
Print
Snowman Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 18 cupcakes 1x
Description
Delight in these whimsical Snowman Cupcakes, perfect for festive gatherings. Each cupcake is topped with a creamy vanilla frosting, a cute marshmallow snowman face, and decorated with fun candies and pretzel arms. They’re as tasty as they are charming, making holiday baking fun and easy.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Base
- 1 box white cake mix (plus oil and eggs as indicated on package)
Vanilla Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar
Decorations
- 1 cup white sugar sprinkles
- 18 large marshmallows
- 36 cinnamon imperials
- 18 Christmas light bulb sprinkles
- 18 rolo candies
- 3 twizzler pull n’ peels
- black writing icing
- 18 mini pretzel sticks
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on the cake mix box (usually 350°F). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Prepare the cake batter according to package instructions and fill each liner about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare Vanilla Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Use an electric hand mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar, about 2 cups at a time, and beat on low speed until creamy and smooth.
- Prepare Piping Bag: Choose your desired piping tip and attach it securely to your piping bag. Fill the bag with the vanilla frosting ensuring no air bubbles for smooth piping.
- Decorate Marshmallow Faces: Using a knife, carefully make a small slit at the center of each marshmallow to hold the nose. Dab a bit of frosting on each Christmas light bulb sprinkle and insert it into the marshmallow slit to form the nose. With black writing icing, draw eyes and a mouth on each marshmallow to create adorable snowman faces.
- Frost Cupcakes: Pipe frosting onto each cupcake in a circular motion to create a smooth, snow-like surface. While the frosting is still fresh, sprinkle the cupcakes liberally with white sugar sprinkles to mimic snow. Gently press the decorated marshmallow snowman faces onto the frosted cupcakes to secure them.
- Add Scarves: Separate the Twizzler pull n’ peels into sections about 5 inches long, leaving 2 or 3 strands together for a scarf effect. Wrap these colorful Twizzler pieces snugly around the neck of each marshmallow snowman to create vibrant scarves.
- Finish Decorations: Use two cinnamon imperials as buttons on the cupcake body. Insert two mini pretzel sticks into each cupcake on either side as arms. Dab a small amount of frosting on top of each marshmallow and press a Rolo candy on top to serve as a cute snowman hat.
- Serving and Storage: Serve these Snowman Cupcakes within a few hours for best freshness, though they can be kept covered at room temperature and enjoyed within 2 days.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of decorations.
- Use fresh black writing icing for detailed facial expressions on marshmallows.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the cake mix for a certified gluten-free white cake mix.
- Decorate just before serving to keep the pretzels crisp and candies fresh.
- These cupcakes make great holiday party treats and can be adapted with different candy decorations for other occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: snowman cupcakes, holiday cupcakes, Christmas desserts, festive cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, marshmallow decoration
