Christmas Ornament Cupcakes with Pretzel Hooks
A smooth round of white frosting, a little pretzel hook at the top and a pattern of candies or pearls: these cupcakes look just like ornaments hanging on a tree. They start with a boxed mix, so they are quick to make for a school party, cookie swap or Christmas dinner.
Why they suit the holidays
The decorating is simple, which makes it a good job for children. You can set out a few toppings and let everyone design their own ornament.
You can also change the look. Bright mini candy-coated chocolates make a playful, kid-friendly version. White or pearl sprinkles on white frosting look more elegant.
Ingredients
- 1 box cake mix, plus the eggs, oil and water the box calls for
- 1 can white ready-made frosting
- 24 pretzel twists
- Sprinkles, pearl sprinkles or mini candy-coated chocolates for decorating
- Cupcake liners
Directions
- Line a muffin pan with liners. Mix and bake the cupcakes following the box. Check them at the shortest bake time listed, since that tends to keep the cake moist.
- Cool the cupcakes completely. Warm cakes will melt the frosting.
- Spread frosting over each cupcake and smooth the top as much as you can. A small offset spatula or the back of a spoon works well.
- Snap a pretzel twist so one curved piece is left. Press it into the top edge of the cupcake so it looks like an ornament hook.
- Decorate the frosting with stripes, dots, zigzags or a candy border so each cupcake looks like a different ornament.
Make-ahead and storage
Bake and cool the cupcakes ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container. Frost and decorate on the day you serve them.
Add the pretzel hooks last, or just before serving. Pretzels can soften when they sit in frosting for a long time.
Once decorated, keep the cupcakes covered at cool room temperature. If you add them, put the candies on while the frosting is still soft so they stick.
