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Gnome Cupcakes

Gnome Cupcakes

Emily
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Decorating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 12 cupcakes
Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup whole milk

For the Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • Food coloring various colors for hats and beards

For Decoration:

  • Round white candy pearls for gnome noses
  • Small fondant flowers or sprinkles optional
  • Piping tips: small star tip for beards and round tip (for hats)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Bake the Cupcakes

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  • Stir in vanilla extract.
  • Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with the dry.
  • Fill each cupcake liner about ⅔ full.
  • Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool completely before decorating.

Step 2: Make the Buttercream Frosting

  • Beat the butter until creamy.
  • Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  • Add vanilla extract and cream. Beat until fluffy.
  • Divide the frosting into separate bowls and tint each portion with your chosen food colors.

Step 3: Decorate Your Gnome Cupcakes

  • Use the round tip to pipe tall cone-shaped hats in different colors.
  • Switch to the star tip and pipe white or gray frosting below the hat to create a fluffy beard.
  • Place a candy pearl where the beard meets the hat to serve as the gnome's nose.
  • Add optional fondant flowers, sprinkles, or tiny hearts to personalize each gnome.

Notes

  • Frosting Tips: Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues that won’t alter the texture.
  • Make it Chocolate: Swap the vanilla cupcakes for your favorite chocolate base.
  • Get Creative: Add mini candy canes for Christmas, or flowers for springtime gnomes.
  • Piping Tip Tricks: Practice your beard swirls on parchment before piping directly.
  • Let the Kids Help: Give each child their own cupcake to decorate—fun and mess-friendly!