Cupcake Ornament Decorations with Reese’s and Festive Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking to make your holiday treats truly stand out this season, you’ve got to try my Cupcake Ornament Decorations with Reese’s and Festive Frosting Recipe. It’s a super fun and festive way to turn ordinary cupcakes into adorable edible ornaments that everyone will gush over. Seriously, these bring that extra sparkle to any holiday party, and I can’t wait to show you how simple and delightful they are to make!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how the ingredients blend classic cupcake goodness with a festive, fun twist — the frosting has that great creamy texture, while the Reese’s mini cups bring a surprising, delightful crunch and flavor contrast. Here’s why each ingredient matters and a few tips to pick the best ones.

• Cupcakes: Use your favorite vanilla or white cupcake recipe — homemade or store-bought, just make sure they’re fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
• Reese’s miniature cups: These are the star ornament “tops” and add that irresistible peanut butter-chocolate punch. Grab them mini-sized for perfect fit and portion.
• Powdered sugar: Gives the frosting that smooth, sweet base without grittiness, so sift if needed for silky texture.
• Butter: Use unsalted and softened — it adds richness and creaminess to your frosting.
• Evaporated Milk: This ingredient makes the frosting luxuriously smooth and a bit lighter than heavy cream would.
• Vanilla extract: Adds the cozy warmth and depth that makes the frosting taste homemade.
• Red and green icing pens (or food coloring): Perfect for piping those charming festive designs — if you’re feeling adventurous, you can tint your frosting instead!

Make It Your Way

Now, one of the best parts about this Cupcake Ornament Decorations with Reese’s and Festive Frosting Recipe is how you can make it uniquely yours. I often switch up the ornament colors or even add extra sprinkles for more sparkle — don’t hesitate to experiment and find your favorite festive flair.

• Variation: I once made these with blue and silver icing pens for a winter wonderland theme, which was a big hit at a holiday party! Feel free to swap the colors to match your décor or theme.
• Dietary modification: If you want to keep it dairy-free, try using a vegan butter substitute and a dairy-free evaporated milk alternative — the frosting is just as creamy!
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cupcakes and you’re good to go without sacrificing taste.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cupcake Ornament Decorations with Reese’s and Festive Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up That Festive Frosting

Start by combining your powdered sugar, softened butter, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. I always use a hand mixer on medium speed until the frosting is smooth, thick, and fluffy — this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. If it feels too runny, I add a bit more powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, a splash more evaporated milk helps. Getting the frosting texture just right makes decorating so much easier.

Step 2: Divide and Color the Frosting

Grab two small bowls and place about ¾ cup of frosting in each. Add a few drops of red food coloring in one bowl and green in the other. Mix until you get those rich, vibrant hues that scream holiday cheer! The rest of your frosting stays white for the cupcake base.

Step 3: Frost Your Cupcakes with Love

Take the remaining 1½ cups of white frosting and spread it evenly over the top of each cupcake. I find it easiest to use an offset spatula for a smooth finish, but a butter knife works too. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect — these are handmade ornaments, after all!

Step 4: Pipe Your Festive Ornament Designs

Transfer your red and green frostings into piping bags — or you can use ziplock bags and snip a tiny corner if you don’t have bags handy. Now comes the fun part: decorating each cupcake like a Christmas ornament. I love making simple swirls, dots, and zigzags to capture that classic ornament vibe. Take your time and enjoy the creative process.

Step 5: Top with Reese’s Miniature Cups

Finally, nestle one Reese’s miniature cup into each cupcake liner atop your frosting. I sometimes give the Reese’s a little twist to sit perfectly. For an even cuter touch, I’ve twisted a paper clip into a mini “fish hook” and poked it into the Reese’s — it really looks like a hanging ornament! These little details bring all the magic together.

How to Serve Cupcake Ornament Decorations with Reese’s and Festive Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of adding a little extra holiday sparkle. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of edible glitter or tiny silver sugar pearls on top of the frosting before adding the Reese’s — it makes these cupcakes look even more magical and festive. You could also whip up some crushed candy canes for a minty crunch!

Side Dishes

These cupcake ornaments are sweet enough to be the star dessert, but if you want to build a festive platter, pairing them with simple fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or clementines adds a nice bright contrast. A cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider rounds out the cozy holiday vibe perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Last year, I arranged these cupcakes on a decorative tray that resembled a Christmas tree shape — folks loved the whimsical touch! You could also tie small festive ribbons around each cupcake liner or serve them on individual mini cake stands for a more elegant look at a fancy holiday brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and sometimes I do!), store these cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend bringing them to room temperature before serving so the frosting softens back up and tastes freshly made.

Freezing

Freezing cupcakes with frosting can be tricky, but I’ve had success freezing the cupcakes un-frosted, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Once thawed, I frost and decorate them fresh. This way, the frosting texture stays perfect and the Reese’s stay neat.

Reheating

I don’t exactly “reheat” these, but when serving chilled leftovers, I let them sit out for about 20 minutes to warm slightly. It brings out the flavors, and the frosting becomes silky and luscious again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cupcake Ornament Decorations with Reese’s and Festive Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s not just about the flavors — it’s about the joy of creating something fun and festive with people you love. I hope when you make these, you find as much delight as I do in decorating and sharing them. Trust me, these will be a holiday favorite that gets requests year after year. So gather your frosting, candies, and creativity, and let’s make some cupcake ornaments that’ll light up your celebrations!

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