Gingerbread Cookies, It's Time to Make Way for the Gingerbread Cupcake

Why should Christmas cookies get to have all the fun? When it comes to the best Christmas desserts to bake for the holidays, cupcakes are one of the most overlooked — and most underrated — treats of all. Sure, they may sometimes be outshined by an ambitious Bûche de Noël or an epic gingerbread house, but the best Christmas cupcakes offer plenty of festive flavors and holiday cheer — not to mention so many creative decorating ideas, from fun cupcake toppers to decadent frosting, candy snowflakes and more.

Luckily, to help inspire your creative holiday baking session, we've rounded up the best Christmas cupcake ideas to try out this season, from gingerbread cupcakes to festive cupcake wreaths. Making these delicious Christmas treats is as easy as starting out with a base flavor, which can come in irresistible seasonal choices like gingerbread or eggnog. Once you’ve got the base set, get ready to go crazy: Donut holes and marshmallows can become snowmen. Red frosting can make Santa hats. Plus, just about anything can become a Christmas tree, from an upside-down ice cream cone to expertly shaped melting chocolate. Now, why doesn't Santa ask for these to be left out instead of cookies?