If you’re looking to wow your guests or just want to bring a touch of holiday magic into your kitchen, this Festive Chocolate Ornament Cupcakes Recipe is exactly what you need. These cupcakes aren’t just your average chocolate treat—they’re beautifully decorated to look like Christmas ornaments, which makes them perfect for holiday parties or cozy family gatherings. I absolutely love how this recipe merges rich, moist chocolate flavor with festive fun, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Rich: The cocoa and sour cream create a deep chocolate flavor that stays moist even days after baking.
- Festive Presentation: These cupcakes look adorable decorated like Christmas ornaments—guaranteed crowd-pleasers at any holiday party.
- Sweetened with Truvia®: A great low-glycemic sweetener option that still gives you that perfect sweetness without the sugar crash.
- Easy to Customize: You can play around with food colorings and decorations to match your holiday theme perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Festive Chocolate Ornament Cupcakes Recipe uses simple, straightforward ingredients you probably have or can easily pick up at the store. The key here is balancing rich chocolate flavor with the tang of sour cream to get cupcakes that are decadent but tender. I like to use room temperature butter to make my frosting super creamy and easy to spread.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure you want for your cupcakes without being too dense.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Choose good quality for deep chocolate flavor—don’t skip this!
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
- Baking powder & baking soda: These help your cupcakes rise and stay fluffy.
- Truvia® Sweet Complete™ All-Purpose Sweetener: A substitute for sugar that’s great for those watching their sugar intake.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): Essential for creamy texture in both cupcakes and frosting.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and add richness.
- Sour cream: This is the secret to moist cupcakes with a slight tang.
- Milk: Helps to keep batter just right—not too thick or thin.
- Vanilla extract: Brings out all the other flavors beautifully.
- Truvia® Confectioners Sweetener: Perfect for smooth, sweet frosting with none of the crunch.
- Food coloring: Use your favorite holiday colors to paint your cupcake “ornaments.”
Variations
One of the things I love about this Festive Chocolate Ornament Cupcakes Recipe is how easy it is to put your own spin on it. Whether you’re aiming for a gluten-free version or hoping to add a pop of unexpected flavor, these cupcakes are a fantastic canvas for creativity.
- Chocolate Peppermint Twist: I like adding a drop of peppermint extract to the frosting instead of vanilla for a festive, minty kick that my family always raves about.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the flour for a gluten-free baking blend—I tried this, and the texture was still moist and fluffy without a hitch.
- Vegan Version: Use flax eggs and a plant-based butter substitute; the cupcakes still come out delightfully rich.
- Colorful Frosting: Don’t be shy with food coloring—mix shades to match your holiday décor or party theme perfectly.
How to Make Festive Chocolate Ornament Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by sifting together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda into a medium bowl. I’ve found sifting really helps avoid any lumps, giving you a smooth batter. Set this aside while you move on to the wet ingredients.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sweetener
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter together with the Truvia® Sweet Complete™ All-Purpose Sweetener until fluffy and pale—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes on medium speed. This step is where all the air gets incorporated, ensuring your cupcakes will be light.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract. I like to keep scraping the sides of the bowl here to make sure everything blends well. The sour cream is a game-changer—it keeps these cupcakes moist and adds a subtle tanginess that balances the chocolate.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now add your dry ingredients alternately with the milk, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix only until just combined—overmixing can make cupcakes tough, and no one wants that. The batter should be thick but smooth.
Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly between your lined cupcake tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20-22 minutes. I always test with a toothpick—the key is to pull them out just when it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely before moving on to frosting.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
Beat together the room temperature unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the Truvia® Confectioners sweetener and beat until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and salt, beating until combined. Divide the frosting into separate bowls to mix in your food coloring — this is where the ornaments start to come to life! I recommend a thicker consistency to pipe neat decorations.
Step 7: Decorate Your Cupcakes
Using piping bags or small spatulas, decorate each cupcake to look like Christmas ornaments. Be creative with stripes, dots, or even little bows—you’ll find that a steady hand and a bit of patience take these over the top. I remember the first time I tried this, I couldn’t stop smiling at how joyful and colorful they looked! Let your kids join in—they adore adding their own personal touch.
Pro Tips for Making Festive Chocolate Ornament Cupcakes Recipe
- Sift Cocoa Powder: I learned that sifting cocoa powder with flour prevents clumps and gives a smoother batter—definitely worth the extra step.
- Room Temperature Butter: Using soft butter in both batter and frosting makes mixing easier and results in a flawless texture.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Just combine ingredients well; overmixing leads to denser cupcakes instead of fluffy ones.
- Cool Cupcakes Completely: I once tried decorating warm cupcakes—the frosting melted everywhere, so wait until they’re fully cooled for clean, crisp decorations.
How to Serve Festive Chocolate Ornament Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my frosted cupcakes with edible glitter or tiny silver dragées to mimic the sparkle on real Christmas ornaments. Sometimes I sprinkle crushed peppermint candy for an extra holiday pop—the cool crunch pairs wonderfully with the creamy frosting.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes pair beautifully with a warm drink like mulled cider, spiced hot chocolate, or even classic eggnog. For a festive dessert table, I serve them alongside gingerbread cookies and cranberry-orange scones—talk about a holiday treat spread!
Creative Ways to Present
When hosting, I like arranging the cupcakes on a tiered stand decorated with pine sprigs and fairy lights. Another fun idea I discovered is placing them in clear cellophane bags tied with red or green ribbons to give as edible gifts—everyone loved receiving these festive little packages!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the frosting firm. They usually stay fresh for up to 4 days, though in my house, they typically disappear before that! For best results, let refrigerated cupcakes come to room temperature before serving to enjoy their soft texture fully.
Freezing
I’ve found the best way to freeze these cupcakes is to wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They keep well for about 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and gently re-frost if the decoration has dulled.
Reheating
While cupcakes are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you’re craving that fresh-baked warmth, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or the frosting will soften too much and melt away the decorations!
FAQs
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Can I use regular sugar instead of Truvia® sweeteners?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular granulated sugar and powdered sugar in equal amounts for Truvia® sweeteners. The cupcakes will still taste fantastic but keep in mind that Truvia® lowers the glycemic index if that’s a concern for you.
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How do I prevent my cupcakes from sinking in the middle?
Great question! Make sure you measure your flour correctly—not too much or too little. Also, avoid opening the oven door during baking, and bake for the recommended time until a toothpick comes out clean. Overbeating the batter can also cause sinking, so mix just until combined.
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Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the frosting a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Before using, bring it to room temperature and give it a quick whip to restore its creamy texture.
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How do I make the cupcake decorations look professional?
Practice piping on parchment paper first to get comfortable with different designs. Use small round and star tips for details. Patience is key—take your time and use vibrant food coloring for eye-catching colors. I recommend chilling the cupcake and frosting slightly before decorating to help the shapes hold better.
Final Thoughts
This Festive Chocolate Ornament Cupcakes Recipe is such a joyful way to bring chocolatey goodness and holiday cheer together. I love serving these at Christmas parties because they always get compliments and smiles all around. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at festive decorating for the first time, these cupcakes make the process playful and rewarding. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and create your own batch of edible holiday ornaments—your kitchen (and your sweet tooth) will thank you!
Print
Festive Chocolate Ornament Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 15 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Christmas Ornament Cupcakes are rich, moist chocolate cupcakes made with a blend of cocoa and a sweet all-purpose sweetener, topped with a smooth, colorful vanilla buttercream frosting. Perfectly festive and delicious, they are decorated to look like beautiful Christmas ornaments, making them an ideal holiday treat for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups Truvia® Sweet Complete™ All-Purpose Sweetener
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups Truvia® Confectioners sweetener
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Food coloring (assorted colors)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda to ensure even mixing and remove any lumps.
- Cream Butter and Sweetener: In a separate bowl, beat the 1/2 cup room temperature unsalted butter with the 1 1/4 cups Truvia® Sweet Complete™ All-Purpose Sweetener until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Incorporate Sour Cream, Milk, and Vanilla: Mix in the sour cream, followed by the milk and vanilla extract, until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cupcakes.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and fill each about two-thirds full with the batter for even rising.
- Bake: Bake the cupcakes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make Buttercream Frosting: Beat 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 2 cups of Truvia® Confectioners sweetener, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and salt, then continue beating until light and fluffy.
- Add Food Coloring: Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add different food coloring to each, mixing well to achieve vibrant festive colors.
- Decorate: Using a piping bag fitted with various tips or a spatula, frost the cooled cupcakes with the colored buttercream, decorating them to resemble Christmas ornaments.
Notes
- For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter as it can make the cupcakes dense.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if preferred.
- Use gel-based food coloring for more vivid colors without altering the frosting consistency.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
