Sugar Cookie North Pole Cupcakes

These sugar cookie North Pole cupcakes topped with a cute printable topper and candy cane are the perfect festive holiday treat for kids.

Christmas is almost here and I’m so excited to get into the holiday spirit! I decided it would be fun to make some themed cupcakes that are perfect for the holidays.

These Sugar Cookie North Pole Cupcakes are super cute, easy to make, and delicious too!

Who doesn’t love a soft sugar cookie? What if you could have that same flavor in cupcake form? Well now you can with these North Pole Cupcakes.

Not only are they delicious, but they also look adorable too. You’ll be the talk of any party when people see these festive treats on the table.

Make sure to tag us on social media so we can see your holiday creations!

Tips for the Best Moist and Fluffy Cupcakes

This easy cupcake recipe results in moist cupcakes with a tender crumb, but you should be aware of some cupcake baking basics.

• Make sure NOT to over-mix the batter if you want light, fluffy cupcakes.
• Spoon and carefully level your flour, do not pack the flour or eyeball it.
• Use ingredients that are at room temperature.
• Do NOT open the oven door while baking.
• Always fill your cupcake liners about 2/3 full.
• Allow your cupcakes to completely cool before frosting.

How Long do you Bake these Holiday Cupcakes?

Most cupcakes bake for 18-22 mins at 350 degrees F.

You can test if they are done by sticking a toothpick into the center of a cupcake, and if it comes out clean, they are done.

You can also test by gently pressing down on the cupcake and looking to see if it bounces back completely or not. If it does, they are done, if your finger left a dent they need more time.

How to Store Frosted Cupcakes

If you have left over frosted cupcakes, or want to assemble them ahead of time, they should be stored covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also store in the refrigerator if desired, just make sure they are in an airtight container so that they don’t dry out in the fridge.

You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months in an airtight freezer container or resealable plastic bag if you want to get some of your baking out of the way early. Defrost at room temperature overnight before frosting.

Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Cupcakes

Flour – Spoon and level the flour when measuring it, otherwise you’ll wind up with a dense cake.

Baking powder – Leavens the cake, make sure it is still active or fresh so your cake rises perfectly.

Salt – Helps to balance all the flavours and make em shine.

Butter – Unsalted is best for baking but you can use salted butter and omit the additional salt if that is all you have on hand.

Sugar – Just plain white granulated sugar.

Eggs – Make sure you have room temperature eggs to start with.

Vanilla Extract – Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavour, but artificial is just fine too.

Sour Cream – Use full fat sour cream and bring it to room temperature before starting.

For the Classic Vanilla Buttercream

I really love vanilla buttercream, but you can also use my cream cheese frosting recipe if you prefer that.

Butter – I generally use salted butter when I make buttercream. If you use unsalted, you will want to add a small pinch of salt to balance out the flavours.

Powdered sugar – Also known as icing sugar or confectioners sugar. You can make your own by throwing granulated sugar into a blender or food processor until powdery.

Cream – You can use any kind of milk you want – dairy or otherwise, heavy cream works best though.

Vanilla extract – Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavour, but artificial is just fine too.

Peppermint sticks – I used Bob’s Sweet Stripes but any peppermint sticks would work. You could also use small candy canes.

Sparkling Sugar – To get a glistening snow effect, use white sparkling sugar.

Printable Labels – You can download and print these adorable North Pole labels for free!

Equipment Needed for Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Piping Bag – A piping bag will help you frost the cupcakes with a professional look, and it’s a lot easier than spreading the frosting on with a butter knife or spatula.

Large round piping tip – To get the fluffy looking smooth “snowy hills” that the trees are resting on, you will want to use a 1A round decorating tip.

Stand Mixer – A stand mixer makes life so much easier when it comes to baking. You can use a large bowl and a whisk or hand mixer, but an electric mixer is life changing.

Cupcake Liners – I used these red foil cupcake liners if you want to replicate the look.

Looking for More Christmas Themed Cupcakes

Check out some of my favourite Christmas cupcakes perfect for serving at any Holiday party!

This festive and fun Christmas tree cupcakes recipe make a great treat for the holidays, featuring moist, fluffy homemade chocolate cupcakes!

These Santa hat cupcakes are easy to make, cute as can be and sure to please the kids. A fun holiday treat for Christmas!

These Santa Claus Cupcakes are great for bringing to a Christmas party – such a fun idea to celebrate this winter holiday!

Sugar Cookie North Pole Cupcakes

Yields: 24 Cupcakes | Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 22 Mins

INGREDIENTS
Cupcakes:
3 cup All-purpose Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1 cup softened Butter
2 cup Sugar
3 Eggs
2 tsp Vanilla
16 oz Sour Cream

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1 C Butter, softened
3 C powdered sugar
4-6 tbsp heavy whipping cream
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Decorations:
12 Peppermint Sticks
1/4 cup White Sparkling Sugar
Printed North Pole Labels

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350. Line muffin pan with paper liners

Cream butter and sugar in mixer until fluffy.

Beat in vanilla and eggs one at a time.

Add baking powder, salt and flour gradually until mixed.

Add in sour cream and beat until blended.

Fill the prepared baking cups to nearly full.

Bake 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Cream butter in a medium bowl. Slowly add in the powdered sugar, and cream as needed, until everything is incorporated and frosting is right consistency. Transfer to piping bag or zippered bag and clip corner to pipe.

Frost the top of each cupcake.

Sprinkle with sparkling sugar, and insert peppermint sticks into the middle of each cupcake.

Attach the labels to the peppermint sticks using a dot of frosting.

Enjoy!