Snowman Cupcakes

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There’s nothing I love more than making festive treats that bring smiles all around. My Snowman Cupcakes are one of my all-time favorite holiday desserts. They’re easy, fun to make with kids, and absolutely adorable with their fluffy base, creamy buttercream frosting, and simple decorations.

I created these Snowman Cupcakes as a fun way to add more holiday cheer to our dessert table, much like my Santa pancakes. They’re inspired by my love for creating festive treats with my kids, and I love how they bring a touch of winter magic to my kitchen.

The first time I made them, I brought them to an ugly sweater party, and they were a hit, kids and adults couldn’t get enough. Who says snowman fun is just for kids? Haha!

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🥘 Ingredients

My easy holiday snowman cupcake recipe calls for fewer than 10 ingredients, all easily available at your local grocery store. These are the main ones you’ll need:

For the Cupcakes

Vanilla or Yellow Cake Mix: I use a classic cake mix to keep things easy and ensure flavors everyone loves. Just pick your favorite brand for perfect cupcakes every time!

Vegetable Oil: a bit of vegetable oil keeps these cupcakes moist and delicious. I always check to make sure it’s fresh for the best results.

Eggs: it helps bind the batter and add a subtle richness to the cupcakes. They’re essential for that perfect texture.

For the Frosting

Butter: I use unsalted butter as the base for the frosting, it’s creamy and rich without being overly salty. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it blends perfectly.

Confectioner’s Sugar: combined with butter, this creates a smooth, creamy frosting with just the right sweetness. It also gives a beautifully tinted white color for the snowman.

Milk: a little milk helps thin the frosting, making it easier to spread evenly over the cupcakes.

Sugar: I dip the frosted cupcakes in granulated sugar for a shimmery, snow-like finish.

Decorating Frosting: black and orange frostings are perfect for adding the snowman’s eyes and carrot nose, bringing them to life.

Swaps

Egg Free: I make this snowman cupcakes recipe egg-free by using flax eggs instead of regular eggs when making the boxed cake mix.

Vegan: I use vegan butter, and plant-based milk of your choice to make these into vegan snowman cupcakes.

Gluten-Free: I recommend using a gluten-free cake mix like this Simple Mills Vanilla Cake Mix to make these frosty the snowman cupcakes gluten-free.

🔪 How To Make

My Christmas snowman cupcakes come together in just a few easy steps and take only 10 minutes of prep time. Here’s how I make them.

Combine Ingredients: I start by preparing the vanilla cupcakes following the directions on the box. I mix in the oil and eggs with the dry ingredients until everything is smooth and well combined.

Fill Cupcake Liners With Cake Batter: I fill the cupcake liners evenly with the batter, making sure each one is about ¾ full. Then, I pop them in the oven and bake them according to the package directions, easy and foolproof.

Make Buttercream Frosting: I let the cupcakes cool completely before starting the decorating fun. While they’re cooling, I use an electric mixer to whip together butter, confectioners’ sugar, and milk until the frosting is smooth and creamy, it’s so satisfying to watch it come together!

Frost Cupcakes: Once the frosting is ready, I grab an offset spatula and generously spread a thick layer of buttercream over each cupcake. It’s the perfect snowy base for our snowman decorations.

Dip Cupcakes: After spreading the frosting, I press each cupcake into a bowl of sugar to give it a glittery, snow-like sparkle. It’s such an easy step, but it adds that perfect festive touch!

Decorate Cupcakes: Now comes the fun part, decorating! I use black frosting to add two dots for the snowman’s eyes and a dotted smile, then orange frosting for the carrot-shaped nose. Using a small piping bag or Wilton icing tip #5 makes this process super easy and precise.

Serve & Enjoy! Each little snowman face turns out absolutely adorable. I wish I had taken pictures of my kids’ silly snowman creations, they were hilarious! Trust me, you’ve got to try making these with your kids or grandkids, it’s so much fun!

📖 Variations

I always change up my snowman cupcake recipe in a variety of ways. Here are some of my favorite snowman cupcake ideas.

Snowman Nose: I love using candy corn, orange candy, or orange icing for the snowman’s nose. Butterscotch chips or orange fondant work great too.

Frosty Finish: For a glittery snow look, I use sanding sugar or clear sprinkles. You can also dip cupcakes in sweetened coconut flakes for a fluffy, snowy finish.

Snowman Arms: Pretzel sticks or chocolate sticks make fun snowman arms. Kids especially enjoy sticking them on.

Easy Melted Snowman Cupcakes: I top my cupcakes with large marshmallows for a cute melting snowman effect. It’s a hit at Christmas parties!

Vanilla Frosting: I add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to make the frosting extra flavorful.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

I love serving these snowman face cupcakes with a tall glass of milk, a cup of my healthy hot chocolate, or even a mug of freshly brewed mocha latte for the adults.

They’re also a great addition to any holiday cookie platter, alongside my crispy ginger snap cookies, and my healthy vegan Christmas pudding.

🫙 Storage Directions

Refrigeration: I keep leftover snowman cupcake cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend taking them out of the fridge 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.

Freezing: These holiday cupcakes can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost the cupcakes at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or until thawed through.

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