Fondant Christmas Trees

A little magical treat to prepare with the family

There's something truly special about baking during the holiday season. We slow down, gather in the kitchen, and let ourselves be enveloped by the scent of butter, sugar, and chocolate.

This year, I wanted a simple, pretty, and, most importantly, fun idea to prepare: cupcakes decorated with little Christmas tree frosting. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone smile as soon as they’re placed on the table, and it can be prepared in a few very accessible steps. Perfect for a cozy afternoon, an activity with the kids, or even a quick dessert to bring to a gift exchange.

For the cupcakes, it's simple - I use the Gingerbread mix or the Double Chocolate mix. You get 12 cupcakes in under 30 minutes.

For the frosting, here are two easy recipes, Cream Cheese Frosting or Vegan White Frosting (but any vanilla frosting recipe would work!)

Finally, here is the recipe for the trees.

Happy cooking!

RECIPE

Christmas Tree Frosting

Ingredients

1 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 tbsp softened butter
1 to 2 tbsp milk (or cream)
A few drops of green food coloring
Red and white sprinkles (optional)
Mini pretzels (for the trunk)

** Matcha option (instead of using green food coloring!)

Replace with ½ to 1 tsp matcha powder, depending on desired intensity
Add 1 tsp extra milk if necessary to adjust texture

Method

In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar and softened butter using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer. (You can also use a whisk if you don't have a mixer — it works, but requires a little more effort.)
Add milk little by little, just enough to get a smooth but thick frosting that holds its shape well.
Then add the green food coloring or matcha powder.
- With matcha, the color will be more natural, slightly softer, and the taste very subtle. Adjust the texture with a few drops of milk if your frosting becomes too dense.Place a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet.
Place the pretzels on the baking sheet: they will serve as the trunks for your trees.
With a piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with a small hole cut in the corner), draw zigzags from bottom to top directly over each pretzel, leaving the base of the trunk visible. Form a triangle by widening the zigzags towards the bottom. (the more frosting you use, the sturdier your trees will be once cooled)
Add red and white sprinkles to create a "Christmas bauble" effect.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the trees are firm.
Very carefully peel the trees off the parchment paper.
Insert them into your cupcakes - And voilà: little snowy cupcakes decorated with trees that will melt anyone's heart

*If your frosting is too runny to hold the shape of the trees, simply add a little more powdered sugar. Conversely, if it's too thick, add a few drops of milk.

Happy cooking!

-Virginie :)

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