Gnome Cupcakes

Gnome Cupcakes are whimsical, fun-to-make treats perfect for holidays, garden parties, or anytime I want to bring a little magic to dessert. These cupcakes are decorated to look like cute little gnomes, complete with frosting beards, candy noses, and colorful hats made from frosting, fondant, or cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cupcakes combine delicious flavor with playful design. They’re always a hit at parties and make people smile the moment they see them. Whether I go all-out with fondant or keep it simple with piped frosting, they’re a creative and tasty way to get into the festive spirit—especially during Christmas, spring, or woodland-themed events.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cupcakes:

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Butter

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Milk or buttermilk

For the Frosting:

• Unsalted butter, softened

• Powdered sugar

• Heavy cream or milk

• Vanilla extract

• Food coloring (for hats and details)

For Decoration:

• Mini cookies or sugar cones (for hats)

• Round candies (like M&M’s or gumdrops) for noses

• Shredded coconut or white frosting (for beards)

• Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.

2. I cream together the butter and sugar, then beat in the eggs and vanilla.

3. I mix the dry ingredients separately and add them alternately with milk into the wet mixture until combined.

4. I fill the liners about ⅔ full and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. I let them cool completely.

5. For the frosting, I beat butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla. I divide and color portions for hats and faces.

6. I pipe or spread a base layer of frosting on each cupcake.

7. I use piped white frosting or coconut to make the beards, then add a round candy for the nose.

8. I top each cupcake with a hat—made from an upside-down mini cone, cookie, or piped frosting—and decorate with sprinkles if I’m feeling festive.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 cupcakes. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, 20 minutes to bake, and 30 minutes to cool and decorate—ready in just over an hour.

Variations

• I use chocolate cupcakes for a deeper flavor or red velvet for a holiday touch.

• Sometimes I add flavored extract (like almond or peppermint) to the frosting for something different.

• For edible hats, I dip mini sugar cones in melted chocolate and coat with sprinkles.

• I use fondant to sculpt detailed features like hats, eyebrows, or tiny flowers for spring gnomes.

storage/reheating

I store decorated cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 4 days. If refrigerated, I let them sit at room temp for 20–30 minutes before serving to bring back the softness of the frosting.

FAQs

Do I need special tools to decorate gnome cupcakes?

Nope! I use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the tip cut off. A small spatula or spoon works fine for spreading and shaping.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I bake the cupcakes and make the frosting a day ahead. I store the cupcakes covered and decorate them the day I plan to serve.

What’s the best frosting for sculpting hats?

A stiff buttercream or fondant works best for shaping hats. I chill the cupcakes briefly to help the frosting hold its shape.

How do I make the beards look fluffy?

I use a star piping tip with white frosting, or press shredded coconut onto a frosted beard area. Both give a great texture.

Are these cupcakes kid-friendly?

Absolutely. Kids love helping decorate their own gnome, and I keep the ingredients simple and safe for little hands.

Conclusion

Gnome Cupcakes are a charming, crowd-pleasing dessert that adds fun and creativity to any occasion. Whether I’m making them for a party or just to brighten someone’s day, these little guys always bring big smiles and even bigger flavor. They’re as fun to decorate as they are to eat—and that’s what makes them magical.

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