Santa Hat Cupcakes with Mini Marshmallows Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’re going to adore this Santa Hat Cupcakes with Mini Marshmallows Recipe. These little beauties bring a playful holiday vibe with their bright red frosting and adorable marshmallow “pom-poms.” They’re perfect for holiday parties or a cozy night in when you want to spread some Christmas cheer through your baking. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make these Santa hats again and again!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing simple ingredients like mini marshmallows and your favorite cupcakes makes this recipe easy and fun. I usually go with white or chocolate cupcakes — they create the perfect contrast against the bright red frosting and white marshmallow hats.

• Cupcakes: I recommend starting with plain or chocolate cupcakes since they hold the frosting well and create that classic holiday look.
• Red frosting: Use a vibrant, smooth red frosting to really make the Santa hats pop; you can find piping-ready frosting or make your own.
• Mini marshmallows: Cutting them in half beforehand saves so much time and helps get the perfect size for the pom-poms and trim.
• Wilton decorating tip #32: This isn’t essential, but I love using a piping tip because it helps build the fluffy, piled frosting effect fast.
• Disposable frosting bag: These make piping a breeze and cleanup easier — plus, you don’t have to worry about washing up in between batches.

Variations

You can definitely put your own spin on this Santa Hat Cupcakes with Mini Marshmallows Recipe to fit your style or dietary needs. I like mixing up the cupcake base and sometimes swapping the frosting colors just for fun.

• Flavor Swaps: One year, I used peppermint-flavored cupcakes and it was a total hit — the mint makes the frosting taste extra festive.
• Dairy-Free & Vegan: Use a dairy-free frosting and vegan marshmallows if you want gluten and dairy-free options; your guests won’t even notice the difference.
• Chocolate Hat: For a twist, swap the red frosting with chocolate frosting and use white marshmallows; it’s a nice switch-up and just as charming.
• Glitter or Sprinkles: Add edible glitter or holiday sprinkles on the frosting ring for an extra sparkle that kids adore.

How to Make Santa Hat Cupcakes with Mini Marshmallows Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Mini Marshmallows

Before you start frosting, I recommend cutting all your mini marshmallows in half. This step is so key because it saves you from hunting for your knife mid-decorating frenzy — trust me, I learned this the hard way! Using a sharp knife, gently slice each mini marshmallow in half, making sure they’re even. You’ll need quite a few, so maybe put on some holiday music and make a little marshmallow cutting party out of it.

Step 2: Fill Your Piping Bag With Red Frosting

Attach the Wilton decorating tip #32 to your disposable piping bag if you’re using one. Then, fill the bag with the red frosting — don’t overfill it, or it gets tricky to control when piping. The frosting should be smooth and thick but not hard, so if you find it too stiff, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it up.

Step 3: Pipe the Santa Hat Base

Start by piping a circle of frosting right at the edge of the cupcake top — this forms the base for your marshmallow trim. I like to go slow here to get a nice even ring. Then, arrange your halved mini marshmallows standing up around that frosting ring; this creates the fluffy white brim of the Santa hat and gives it that adorable, fluffy look.

Step 4: Build Up the Hat

Next, fill the center of the cupcake with more red frosting. Pipe it in a swirling motion, layering it round and round to form the cone shape of the Santa hat. Don’t be shy — piling the frosting high is what gives these cupcakes their signature look. Once you’ve built your hat, finish it off by placing one halved mini marshmallow on the tip — that little pom-pom really makes the design pop.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Pop your cupcakes in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes so the frosting sets up nicely. This chilling step ensures the hats keep their shape and the marshmallows stick perfectly when you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Santa Hat Cupcakes with Mini Marshmallows Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple because the marshmallow hats are already eye-catching. Sometimes I add a light dusting of powdered sugar on top to look like snow or a tiny sprinkle of edible glitter for that magical holiday sparkle. Both add a little extra pizazz without overwhelming the cupcakes’ charm.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes shine on their own but pairing them with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a festive spiced apple cider really elevates the treat. I also like serving them alongside classic holiday cookies or a peppermint bark plate for a holiday dessert table that’s all winners.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange these cupcakes on a tiered cake stand layered with pine sprigs and red berries — it looks gorgeous and really frames the festive hats nicely. Another fun idea I tried recently was presenting them inside a large, clear glass bowl with fairy lights tangled around for a cozy winter wonderland vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (though my family rarely lets that happen!), store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the frosting firm and the marshmallows fresh for a couple of days. Before serving again, I take them out to come to room temperature so the cupcakes taste moist and soft.

Freezing

Freezing cupcake bases without frosting works best if you want to prep in advance. I freeze them plain, then thaw and decorate fresh before your party. Freezing fully frosted Santa Hat Cupcakes with Mini Marshmallows Recipe isn’t ideal because frosting texture can change and marshmallows may get sticky or hard after thawing.

Reheating

Since these cupcakes are best served chilled or at room temp, I don’t recommend reheating. If you want warm cupcakes, warm the unfrosted cupcake base before frosting and decorating, then serve immediately for the best experience.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Santa Hat Cupcakes with Mini Marshmallows Recipe is one of my all-time favorites for holiday baking because it’s approachable, looks adorable, and tastes delicious every time. I enjoy making them with my kids or as a quick festive surprise for friends — their smiles when they see these cupcake hats are priceless. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll be sharing it for years to come. Happy baking and merry everything!

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