Make these halfway homemade Elf on the Shelf Snowman Cupcakes with the kids this holiday!
Snowman Cupcakes with the Elf on the Shelf
Bring some wintery sweetness to your holiday season with these adorable Elf on the Shelf snowman cupcakes!
They’re a fun and whimsical treat your elf can “deliver” as a surprise for kids to discover in the morning.
With simple decorations and lots of charm, these cupcakes add a magical touch to December celebrations.
They’re perfect for parties, family nights, or just a festive treat to brighten the day.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 pkg white cake mix
- ¾ c water
- ½ c oil
- 3 eggs
For the Frosting:
- 1 c unsalted butter, softened
- 4 c powdered sugar
- 1 t vanilla
- ½ t salt
- 2-3 T heavy cream
- Red gel food coloring
- Orange gel food coloring
For the Decorations:
- 6 Oreos, halved and filling removed
- 12 mini marshmallows
- 1 T mini chocolate chips
- 24 stick pretzels
Directions for Cupcakes
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a standard muffin tin and set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Mix well, scraping down the sides often.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking tins.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 14 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool completely before decorating.
Directions for Frosting
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, salt, vanilla and about half of the powdered sugar.
- Mix on low until combined, scraping the sides often.
- Add in the remaining powdered sugar and the heavy cream. Mix on low until combined.
- Bump up to medium and whip for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Frosting should be a stiff consistency. Don’t add more cream unless it’s a crusty and crumbly consistency.
- Transfer about 2 tablespoons worth of the frosting to a mixing bowl and add the orange food coloring. Mix well and transfer to a small piping bag, set aside.
- Transfer about 2 cups worth of the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Set aside.
- Add the red food coloring to the remaining frosting and mix well. Transfer that frosting to another piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Set aside.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, they can be assembled.
Directions to Assemble
Pipe a large mound of white frosting on each cupcake. Top with another smaller mound of white frosting to create the snowman’s body.
Insert the mini chocolate chips to create the eyes and buttons down the center of the body.
Insert two pretzels as the arms (break in half if you want shorter arms).
Pipe a small orange nose in the middle of the face.
Pipe small red dots for the mouth.
Pipe a mound of red frosting on top of each Oreo half.
Top with a mini marshmallow at the tip.
Place the hat on the snowmen’s heads and press gently to attach.
Storage: Cupcakes are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Halfway Homemade Snowman Cupcakes
Once the snowman cupcakes are decorated and ready, set them out with your elf for an unforgettable holiday moment.
They’re sure to spark giggles, excitement, and maybe even a little Christmas mischief. These treats are an easy way to make the season feel extra magical.
Be sure to check back for even more elf-inspired ideas, crafts, and delicious holiday recipes!
Elf on the Shelf Ideas
After making your snowman cupcakes, place one or two beside your elf as a fun morning surprise. Add a tiny note from the elf letting kids know they get to enjoy the sweet treat. Here are nine free printable Little Notes from Your Elf on the Shelf.
Use the cupcakes as part of a bigger breakfast or holiday snack to kick off a festive activity.
You can also send them to school, parties, or playdates with a little tag saying they were “delivered by the elf.” Kids will love the playful presentation and the adorable snowman faces.
Don’t forget to snap a picture of the setup to remember the moment and inspire future elf ideas!
Reasons the Elf on the Shelf Brings Snacks
There are so many magical reasons why your elf might bring snacks! Here are a few.
- Elves love treats too — maybe your elf wanted to share one of their favorite North Pole snacks.
- A reward for good behavior — the elf noticed someone being extra kind or helpful.
- A note from Santa — Santa might have sent the elf with a snack to encourage holiday cheer.
- A special mission — the elf could be delivering “fuel” for a big day of holiday activities.
- Easy morning surprise — snacks are a simple, low-effort elf idea that still feels exciting.
- Build anticipation — kids love edible surprises, making the elf’s visit more memorable.
- Tie-in to an activity — a snack can match a theme (movie night, baking day, decorating cookies, etc.).
- Elves want to spread joy — what spreads joy better than treats?
- Sharing is caring — the elf might be showing good manners by sharing with the family.
Sharing is Caring!
Too busy to make this right away?! Pin it for later! Pin this project to your favorite craft board on Pinterest and it’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready.
I would really love to hear what you think about this adorable Elf on the Shelf idea! If you try it out, I would sure like to see it! Share on Instagram, Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest! #LauraKellyDesigns
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XOXO,
Laura