A magical treat to prepare with the family

There's something really special about cooking during the holiday season. We slow down, we gather in the kitchen, we let ourselves be invaded by the scent of butter, sugar and chocolate.
This year, I wanted a simple, pretty, and above all fun little idea to prepare: cupcakes decorated with small Christmas trees in icing. It's the kind of recipe that makes everyone smile as soon as you put them on the table, and that 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 cupcakes, it's simple – I use the Gingerbread mix or the Double Chocolate mix. We have 12 cupcakes in less than 30 minutes.
For frosting, here are two easy recipes, Cream Cheese Frosting or Vegan White Frosting (but any vanilla frosting recipe could do!)
Finally, here is the recipe for the trees.
Happy cooking!

Ingredients

1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 to 3 tbsp soft butter
1 to 2 tbsp milk (or cream)
A few drops of green food colouring
Red and white sprinkles (optional)
Mini pretzel (for making the trunk)

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

Replace with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of matcha powder, depending on the desired intensity
Add 1 additional tsp milk if needed to adjust the texture

Method

In a bowl, combine the icing sugar and soft butter using an electric hand or stand mixer. (You can also use a whisk if you don't have a mixer — it works, but just requires a little more effort.)
Add the milk a little at a time, just enough to make a smooth but thick glaze that holds together well.
Then add the green colouring 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 trunks for your trees.
Using the piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with a slight perforation at the corner), draw zigzags from bottom to top directly over each pretzel, leaving the base of the trunk visible. Forms a triangle by widening the zigzags downwards. (the more icing you put on, the stronger your trees will be once cooled)
Add red and white sprinkles to create a "Christmas baubles" effect.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the trees are firm.
Very delicately peels the trees off the parchment paper.
Insert them into your cupcakes - And there you have it: little snowy cupcakes, decorated with fir trees that will melt any heart

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