Christmas Pull Apart Cupcakes: 7 Sweet Holiday Delights

November 18, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh, the joy of baking during the holidays! There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the house, especially when it comes to my favorite Christmas pull apart cupcakes. I remember the first time I made them; my family gathered around the kitchen, eyes wide in anticipation, and trust me, they didn’t last long! These delightful little treats are not just cupcakes; they’re a festive experience that brings everyone together. Each cupcake is so soft and sweet, topped with a simple icing and a sprinkle of holiday cheer. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to spread some festive joy, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and make some holiday magic happen!

Ingredients List

2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base for our cupcakes, giving them that fluffy texture we all love.
1 cup sugar – Regular granulated sugar to sweeten the batter just right.
1/2 cup butter, softened – Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing and a rich flavor.
1 cup milk – Whole milk works best for a moist cupcake, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
2 eggs – They help bind the ingredients and add a lovely richness.
2 tsp baking powder – This is what makes our cupcakes rise beautifully.
1 tsp vanilla extract – For that warm, comforting flavor that complements the sweetness.
1/2 cup powdered sugar for icing – We’ll mix this with a bit of milk for a simple, sweet drizzle.
2 tbsp milk for icing – Just enough to create the perfect consistency for drizzling.
Red and green sprinkles for decoration – Because what’s a Christmas cupcake without a little festive flair?

How to Prepare Christmas Pull Apart Cupcakes

Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making these delicious Christmas pull apart cupcakes! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with the sweetest, most festive treats. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a tray of cupcakes ready to impress in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting those cupcakes to rise perfectly!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Give it a quick whisk to make sure everything’s well blended and there are no lumps.
Next, add in the 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of milk, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Now, here’s a little tip: I like to use a hand mixer for this part. It gets everything so smooth and creamy! Mix until the batter is just combined—don’t overdo it, or your cupcakes might turn out dense.
Now it’s time to pour the batter into your cupcake liners. Fill each liner about 2/3 full, which gives them room to rise without overflowing. I usually use a cookie scoop for this—it makes it super easy and mess-free!
Pop those beauties in the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell will be heavenly!
Once they’re baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important because we don’t want to melt our icing with hot cupcakes!
While those cupcakes cool, let’s whip up the icing! In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until it’s smooth. You want it to be drizzly, not too thick. Adjust with more powdered sugar or milk as needed.
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, it’s time for the fun part—drizzling the icing over the top! I like to use a spoon for this, but you could also use a piping bag if you want a fancier look.
Finally, sprinkle on those festive red and green sprinkles. Go wild with it! The more, the merrier—just like the holidays!

And there you have it! Your Christmas pull apart cupcakes are ready to be enjoyed. Trust me, they’ll be the star of your holiday gatherings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation time – You can whip these up in just about 35 minutes, leaving you with more time to enjoy the festivities!
Festive appeal – The vibrant red and green sprinkles make these cupcakes a showstopper on any holiday table.
Delicious taste – With a moist, fluffy texture and a sweet vanilla flavor, these cupcakes are sure to please everyone’s palate.
Fun for gatherings – They’re perfect for sharing and great for all ages, making them a delightful treat for parties or family get-togethers.

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your Christmas pull apart cupcakes turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you achieve cupcake bliss:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs. It makes mixing easier and ensures a smoother batter, which leads to fluffier cupcakes!
Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can make your cupcakes dense instead of light and airy.
Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your cupcakes a minute or two before the recommended baking time. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Icing Consistency: For the icing, adjust the powdered sugar and milk to get the perfect drizzle. You want it pourable but not too runny. If it’s too thick, just add a splash more milk!
Decoration Fun: Feel free to get creative with your sprinkles! Mix in some edible glitter or swap red and green for other festive colors to match your holiday theme.
Serving Tip: For a fun presentation, arrange the cupcakes in a circular pattern on a festive platter. It gives that pull-apart vibe and makes it easy for guests to grab one!
Make Ahead: You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just ice them on the day you plan to serve for the freshest taste!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create some delightful cupcakes that will wow your family and friends this holiday season!

Variations

Now, if you’re like me and love to get creative in the kitchen, you’ll be thrilled to know there are so many fun ways to switch up these Christmas pull apart cupcakes! Here are some of my favorite variations that can add a personal touch or just a new twist to the classic recipe:

Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in some mini chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet surprise in every bite. Who doesn’t love a little chocolate love during the holidays?
Almond Joy: Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully. It’s a subtle change that makes a big impact!
Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor that screams holiday cheer. It’s an easy way to make your cupcakes feel extra festive!
Fruit-Filled: Toss in some dried cranberries or chopped nuts for added texture and a pop of flavor. They’ll not only taste great but also add a lovely festive color!
Rainbow Sprinkles: Instead of just red and green, go all out with rainbow sprinkles! It adds a fun, colorful twist that kids (and adults!) will absolutely love.
Caramel Drizzle: For an indulgent treat, drizzle some caramel sauce over the icing before adding the sprinkles. It adds a rich sweetness that takes these cupcakes to another level!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own! The beauty of these Christmas pull apart cupcakes is that they’re versatile and can easily adapt to your taste. Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Let’s talk about keeping those delicious Christmas pull apart cupcakes fresh and ready for enjoyment! After all that hard work, you want to make sure they stay as tasty as possible. Here’s how to store them properly:

Airtight Container: Once your cupcakes have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. This will help keep them moist and prevent them from drying out. I usually layer them with a piece of parchment paper in between to avoid sticking.
Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to eat them within a couple of days, you can store them at room temperature. Just make sure they’re kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. Just remember that refrigeration can sometimes dry them out a bit, so make sure they’re sealed tightly!
Freezing: If you want to save some for later, these cupcakes freeze beautifully! Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.

As for reheating, I usually recommend enjoying them at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they might dry out! A quick reheat and a drizzle of fresh icing can make them feel just-baked again. Enjoy your festive treats!

Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for each of these delightful Christmas pull apart cupcakes. Keep in mind that these are just estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients you use:

Calories: 200
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 2g

This cupcake is a sweet treat, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation! Perfect for a festive gathering or a delightful afternoon snack. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!

FAQ Section

Can I make these Christmas pull apart cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just remember to ice them on the day you plan to serve to keep that frosting fresh and delightful!

What can I use if I don’t have cupcake liners?

No worries! You can grease your muffin tin well and pour the batter directly into the cups. Just be sure to let them cool a bit longer before removing them, so they don’t stick!

How should I store leftover Christmas pull apart cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, or in the fridge for longer freshness. If you want to keep them for a while, you can freeze them wrapped individually!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can! Just know that it might change the texture a bit, making them denser. If you want, you could also do a mix of both for a lighter result!

What’s the best way to make the icing thicker or thinner?

For thicker icing, add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency. If you want it thinner, just add a tiny splash more milk. It’s all about finding that perfect drizzle!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.