Name: Santa Hat Cupcakes: Delicious Christmas Treats
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cupcakes:; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 large eggs, room temp; 3/4 cup white sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup hot coffee or hot water; White Chocolate Ganache:; 8 oz white chocolate, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream, divided; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Assembly:; Fresh strawberries, hulled, similar size

Santa Hat Cupcakes have become my absolute favorite holiday treat to whip up, and I’m so excited to share this simple Santa hat cupcake recipe with you! I still remember the first time I saw these adorable little guys at a Christmas party years ago; they looked so festive and jolly, and I just knew I had to learn how to make them. The combination of rich, moist chocolate cake with that luscious white chocolate ganache and a sweet strawberry topper is pure magic. They’re not just visually stunning but taste absolutely divine. Get ready to wow your friends and family this holiday season – let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Santa Hat Cupcakes

These aren’t just any cupcakes; they’re a delightful Christmas experience! You’ll adore these easy Santa hat cupcakes because:

They are incredibly festive and add a cheerful touch to any holiday gathering.
The combination of moist chocolate cake and creamy white chocolate ganache is simply irresistible.
They are a super cute Santa hat dessert that kids and adults alike will adore.
This Santa hat cupcake recipe is surprisingly simple, making it a fun activity for the whole family.
The fresh strawberry “hat” adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of fruity freshness.
They look professionally decorated but are totally achievable at home.
You can prep components ahead, making holiday entertaining a breeze.
These jolly Santa hat cupcakes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at all your Christmas parties.

Ingredients for Santa Hat Cupcakes

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these adorable Santa hat cupcakes. For the chocolate cupcakes, you’ll need:

1 cup all-purpose flour – the base structure for our cake.
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – for that deep chocolate flavor that pairs so well with the white chocolate.
1 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp baking soda – these leaveners ensure a light and fluffy cupcake.
1/2 tsp salt – to enhance all the other flavors.
2 large eggs, room temp – helps bind the ingredients and contributes to richness.
3/4 cup white sugar and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – for sweetness and moisture. The brown sugar adds a lovely depth.
1/2 cup vegetable oil – keeps the cupcakes incredibly moist.
1 tsp vanilla extract – a classic flavor enhancer.
1/2 cup sour cream – this is my secret for extra tender and moist cupcakes!
1/2 cup hot coffee or hot water – coffee deepens the chocolate flavor, but water works too!

For the creamy white chocolate ganache, you’ll need:

8 oz white chocolate, chopped – good quality white chocolate makes a difference here.
1 cup heavy cream, divided – used to create the luscious ganache.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract – for added flavor.
Pinch of salt – balances the sweetness.

And for assembly:

Fresh strawberries, hulled, similar size – these will form the perfect little Santa hats!

Santa Hat Cupcakes: Delicious Christmas Treats - Santa Hat Cupcakes - additional detail

How to Make Santa Hat Cupcakes

Let’s get these festive Christmas Santa hat cupcakes into your kitchen! Follow these simple steps for baking, ganache, and assembly.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This simple step ensures your beautiful cupcakes won’t stick.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt. This dry mix forms the base of our rich chocolate cake.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk the 2 large eggs, room temp, 3/4 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Stir in the 1/2 cup sour cream until it’s just combined. Don’t worry if it looks a little thick at this point.
Step 5: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix gently with a spatula until *just* combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes, so be careful here!
Step 6: Slowly pour in the 1/2 cup hot coffee or hot water while stirring. The batter will become smooth and quite thin – this is exactly what you want for moist cupcakes!
Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full. This allows them to rise beautifully.
Step 8: Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. The aroma of baking chocolate will fill your kitchen!
Step 9: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial before decorating your Santa hat dessert cupcakes.

Baking the Chocolate Cupcakes

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin tin. Whisk together your dry ingredients, then combine the wet ingredients, including sugars, oil, and sour cream. Gently mix them together, then add the hot liquid. This easy Santa hat cupcake batter bakes up moist and delicious in just 18-20 minutes.

Making the White Chocolate Ganache

For the ganache, place 8 oz white chocolate, chopped in a bowl. Heat ½ cup heavy cream until simmering, then pour over the chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes before stirring smooth. Stir in 1/2 tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Add the remaining ½ cup cold heavy cream and stir. Chill for 2-3 hours until firm but spreadable. Whip this mixture until light and fluffy for your Santa hat frosted cupcakes.

Assembling Your Santa Hat Cupcakes

Once your cupcakes are completely cool, it’s time for the fun part! Pipe a generous swirl of the whipped white chocolate ganache onto each cupcake. Place a fresh, hulled strawberry, tip pointing upwards, right in the center of the ganache to form the iconic Santa hat shape. Finish with a tiny dollop of ganache on the strawberry’s tip for that perfect fluffy pom-pom, making these cute Santa hat cupcakes.

Pro Tips for the Best Santa Hat Cupcakes

Want to make your Santa hat cupcakes truly spectacular? I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that guarantee delicious results every time. These simple tips will elevate your festive baking!

Always use good quality white chocolate for the ganache; it makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
Ensure your cupcakes are completely cool before frosting. Warm cupcakes will melt the ganache, leading to a messy, less festive look.
Chill your ganache sufficiently. It needs to be thick enough to hold its shape when piped, but not so stiff that it’s difficult to work with.

What’s the secret to perfect Santa hat cupcakes?

The key is the balance of textures and flavors! Using sour cream in the cupcake batter makes them incredibly moist, and a good quality white chocolate ganache provides a rich, creamy contrast to the chocolate cake. The fresh strawberry is the perfect bright finish. For more baking tips, check out these baking tips.

Can I make Santa hat cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes and make the ganache a day or two in advance. Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature and the ganache in the fridge. Assemble them a few hours before serving for the freshest taste and appearance. You can find more information on making treats ahead here.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Santa hat cupcakes?

Don’t overmix your cupcake batter – this is crucial for a tender crumb. Make sure your ganache is chilled enough to whip properly; if it’s too warm, it won’t thicken. Finally, use strawberries that are similar in size for a uniform, cute presentation. For more general baking advice, consider these helpful tips.

Best Ways to Serve Santa Hat Cupcakes

These festive Santa hat dessert cupcakes are a showstopper on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can make your holiday spread even more memorable. Imagine serving these cute Santa hat cupcakes alongside warm mugs of hot cocoa or a steaming gingerbread latte – the rich chocolate and creamy ganache are a perfect match for cozy holiday drinks. For a more elaborate dessert table, these Santa hat frosted cupcakes make a delightful addition to a cookie platter, offering a different texture and flavor profile. You could also serve them with a simple scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful contrast, making them a truly jolly Santa hat cupcake experience. Learn more about food pairings.

Santa Hat Cupcake Variations You Can Try

While this classic Santa hat cupcake recipe is fantastic, I love experimenting! Here are a few ways you can switch things up for your holiday baking:

Gluten-Free Version: Easily adapt this recipe by using a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly – start with the amount called for and add a tablespoon more if the batter seems too thick. These gluten-free Santa hat cupcakes are just as festive!
Vegan Delight: For a vegan Santa hat dessert cupcake, swap the eggs for a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes). Use a dairy-free milk alternative (like almond or soy) instead of sour cream and ensure your white chocolate ganache is made with vegan white chocolate and a plant-based cream alternative.
Mini Hat Cupcakes: Bake these in mini muffin tins for adorable bite-sized treats. They’ll bake faster, so keep an eye on them – usually around 12-15 minutes. These mini DIY Santa hat cupcakes are perfect for holiday parties where guests can grab a few.
Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the cupcake batter. The subtle citrus pairs beautifully with the chocolate and white chocolate, offering a slightly different flavor profile for your festive Santa hat cupcakes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Hat Cupcakes

Can I make Santa hat cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! I often bake the chocolate cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The white chocolate ganache can also be made 1-2 days ahead and kept in the refrigerator. Just whip it up again before assembling your cute Santa hat cupcakes. Assemble them a few hours before serving for the best presentation.

What kind of strawberries work best for Santa hat cupcakes?

For the most charming Santa hat cupcakes, look for fresh strawberries that are similar in size and shape. You want them to stand up nicely on the cupcake. Slightly larger berries make a bolder hat, while smaller ones are great for mini cupcakes. Make sure they’re ripe but firm, and always hull them before placing them on your Santa hat frosted cupcakes.

How do I get the ganache to be light and fluffy?

After chilling the ganache until it’s firm but still pliable (it should hold its shape but be scoopable), whip it with an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Start slowly to avoid splattering. Whip until it becomes noticeably lighter in color and has increased in volume, resembling whipped cream. Be careful not to over-whip, as white chocolate ganache can seize up and become grainy if overworked. This step is key for beautiful Santa hat cupcake decorations. For more on frosting techniques, see this guide.

Can I use a different frosting instead of white chocolate ganache?

While the white chocolate ganache is divine with the chocolate cake, you could certainly use other frostings for your Santa hat dessert cupcakes! A classic cream cheese frosting would be delicious, or even a simple vanilla buttercream. You could also use a stabilized whipped cream frosting. Just ensure your frosting is firm enough to hold the strawberry “hat” and pipe nicely.

Nutrition Facts for Santa Hat Cupcakes

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for these festive Santa hat cupcakes, based on the ingredients used:

Calories: Approximately 350-400 per cupcake (varies with exact ingredients)
Fat: 18-22g
Saturated Fat: 10-14g
Protein: 4-6g
Carbohydrates: 40-45g
Fiber: 2-3g
Sugar: 28-33g
Sodium: 250-300mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used for your Santa hat dessert cupcakes.

How to Store and Reheat Santa Hat Cupcakes

Keeping your beautiful Santa hat cupcakes fresh is simple! Once they’ve completely cooled, store any undecorated cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For decorated cupcakes, they are best kept in the refrigerator due to the fresh strawberries and ganache. Place them in a container or cake carrier, ensuring they have a little space so the frosting doesn’t get smushed. They’ll stay delightful in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you need to store them longer, these festive treats freeze wonderfully! Wrap each decorated cupcake tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen cupcake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor for your jolly Santa hat cupcakes.