Oh, the magic of Christmas! There’s something truly special about this time of year, and for me, it always involves the warm, inviting scents wafting from the kitchen. I remember the first time I baked my Christmas Cherry Vanilla Cupcakes—it was a snowy afternoon, and the whole house smelled like sweet cherries and rich vanilla. I could hardly wait to share them with family! These cupcakes are more than just a dessert; they’re little bites of joy, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire. The combination of juicy cherries and creamy vanilla creates a flavor explosion that’s just festive enough to make anyone smile. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they’ve become a holiday tradition in my home!
Ingredients for Christmas Cherry Vanilla Cupcakes
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cupcake bliss! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy!)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and chopped (fresh or canned, your choice!)
Having everything ready to go makes the baking process so much smoother, so don’t skip this step!
How to Prepare Christmas Cherry Vanilla Cupcakes
Getting started with these Christmas Cherry Vanilla Cupcakes is a breeze! Just follow my simple steps, and you’ll have delightful treats in no time.
Preheat and Creaming
First things first—preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this is super important! A properly preheated oven ensures your cupcakes rise beautifully and turn out fluffy. While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes should do the trick. This step is crucial as it creates air pockets that help your cupcakes achieve that perfect texture!
Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s tackle the dry ingredients! In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This little mix will help your cupcakes rise evenly. Once that’s done, you’ll want to gradually add this dry mixture to your creamy butter mixture, alternating with the milk. This means starting with some flour, then adding a splash of milk, and repeating until everything’s combined. Just be careful not to over-mix—this can lead to dense cupcakes, and we definitely want them light and airy!
Adding Cherries and Baking
Time to fold in those lovely chopped cherries! Gently mix them into your batter, being careful to keep that airy texture. Now, line your cupcake pan with liners, and with a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each liner about two-thirds full with the batter. This allows room for them to rise without spilling over. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end; you don’t want to overbake! Once done, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And voila, you’re one step closer to cupcake heaven!
Tips for Success
To make the Christmas Cherry Vanilla Cupcakes truly shine, use high-quality ingredients. Fresh cherries can elevate the flavor, so if they’re in season, go for those! A common mistake is overmixing the batter—remember, gentle folds are key to keeping them light and fluffy. If you want to make these cupcakes even more festive, try adding a hint of almond extract for a delightful twist! And don’t forget, if you find your cupcakes sinking in the middle, it could be due to underbaking or too much mixing. So, keep an eye on that timer and enjoy the process!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas Cherry Vanilla Cupcakes fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last about a week. Just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing them up! If you’d like to enjoy them warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that delightful softness—just don’t overdo it, or you’ll end up with rubbery cupcakes!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided for the Christmas Cherry Vanilla Cupcakes is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. For precise dietary needs, always check the labels of your ingredients. Enjoy your baking with a sprinkle of joy!
FAQ About Christmas Cherry Vanilla Cupcakes
Can I use frozen cherries?
Absolutely! You can use frozen cherries for these Christmas Cherry Vanilla Cupcakes. Just make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps prevent excess moisture in your batter, which can make your cupcakes soggy. They may not be as firm as fresh cherries, but they’ll still add that delicious cherry flavor you love!
How do I know when the cupcakes are done?
Great question! The best way to check if your cupcakes are done is to use the trusty toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of one of the cupcakes—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready to go! Another sign is that the tops will look lightly golden and spring back when gently pressed. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid over-baking!
Can I make these cupcakes in advance?
Yes, you can definitely make these Christmas Cherry Vanilla Cupcakes in advance! You can bake them a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container after they’ve cooled completely. If you want to frost them, it’s best to wait until the day you plan to serve them. This way, the frosting stays fresh and doesn’t get soggy. If you’re prepping for a big holiday gathering, this can save you a lot of time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare, even for beginner bakers!
- Delicious blend of cherry and vanilla flavors that scream holiday cheer.
- Perfect for sharing at festive gatherings or cozy family nights.
- Each bite is a delightful reminder of Christmas nostalgia.
- Can be dressed up with frosting or enjoyed plain!
For more festive recipes, check out these Christmas cookies or Christmas cherry bars!
Print
Christmas Cherry Vanilla Cupcakes: 5 Joyful Bites
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cupcakes infused with cherry and vanilla flavors, perfect for Christmas.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk.
- Fold in chopped cherries.
- Pour batter into cupcake liners.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be topped with cherry frosting.
- Use fresh or canned cherries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Christmas Cherry Vanilla Cupcakes