16 FREE PRINTABLE CHRISTMAS CUPCAKE TOPPERS
Christmas parties may not be happening as often or as big as we’d like them this year but that doesn’t mean that we still can’t add a few special touches and details to our celebrations right?! If anything, we all deserve a special Christmas this year so why not go to town, why not decorate your house even more than usual or even add cute toppers to your cupcakes!
Today we’re sharing an easy peasy free printable and we LOVE how festive and cute the toppers turned out! Plus the best news is that there’s 16 different designs in total so you’ve got plenty to choose from! Here’s what you’ll need to make them….
YOU WILL NEED:
The printable cake topper file // A printer // Glue // Cocktail sticks // Scissors //
Making these are so easy I’m not even sure they warrant actual steps in this post! All you need to do is print out the toppers onto thick white card and cut them out, I decided to leave a little white border around mine but it’s entirely up to you if you do the same or not.
Next take your cocktail sticks and simply glue them to the back of the toppers and voila! You’ve got yourself some adorably festive decorations! I even think that these would look cute all together on one large cake if you preferred!
Don’t forget if you want more Christmas and holiday themed printables and DIY then you can find a bunch of them here! And if you’re having a festive photo-booth then don’t forget to grab our DIY props here! xx
Christmas Cupcake Toppers: A Festive, Fun, and Slightly Chaotic Adventure
Let me start with a confession: Christmas parties are my battlefield, and my kitchen is the war zone. Over the years, I’ve orchestrated enough festive gatherings to qualify as a jolly general. From themed desserts to decorations that rival Santa’s workshop, I’ve done it all. But let me tell you, Christmas cupcake toppers have become my secret weapon—a small detail that punches well above its weight.
I’ll never forget the first time I used them. It was one of those December mornings where I thought, I can totally make 50 cupcakes, wrap gifts, and bake a turkey in the same day. Spoiler alert: I couldn’t. But when I popped on those little toppers—mini Santa hats, reindeer, and snowflakes—they transformed my basic vanilla cupcakes into Pinterest-worthy masterpieces. Guests swooned, I blushed, and no one noticed the turkey was a tad dry.
So, let’s talk about why these toppers are magic and how you can use them to elevate your holiday game.
1. Cupcake Decorating Ideas: Think Beyond Frosting
Sure, frosting is important, but it’s like the foundation of a house—it supports the glam, but nobody’s there to stare at the cement. The toppers? They’re the chandeliers and vintage wallpaper. I’ve experimented with swirled buttercream, frosty white peaks that mimic snow, and even sparkly edible glitter. But once I added a glittery Christmas tree topper? Game over.
Here’s a tip: contrast is key. A green tree topper against red velvet? Stunning. A silver snowflake against rich chocolate frosting? Deliciously elegant. And don’t skimp on sprinkles—they’re like confetti for your cupcakes. Just be prepared for your kitchen floor to sparkle for days.
2. DIY Toppers: Scissors, Cardstock, and a Prayer
The fun part of these printables is that you don’t need a craft degree to assemble them. All you need is a printer, cardstock, and something pointy to cut with. Bonus points if you have a glitter pen handy for those extra festive touches.
One year, I tried getting my kids involved in the process. Big mistake. Apparently, scissors are more fun when used on everything but the toppers. I eventually managed to salvage a few reindeer and snowmen from their “artistic improvements.” Lesson learned: craft when the kids are asleep, and always print extras.
3. Themed Cupcake Displays: Make It a Showstopper
Cupcakes with Christmas cupcake toppers deserve their moment in the spotlight, so don’t just toss them on a plate. Use a tiered dessert stand, scatter some fake snow (or powdered sugar) around it, and boom—you’ve got a centerpiece.
One year, I went all out with a “Winter Wonderland” theme. Picture this: cupcakes topped with tiny snowflakes, arranged around a ceramic village lit with twinkle lights. Guests were so enchanted that one actually asked if the cupcakes were real. I smugly handed her a plate and said, “Take a bite and find out.”
4. Recipes That Shine Under Toppers
Not all cupcakes are created equal. Some flavours simply scream Christmas louder than others. My all-time favourite? Gingerbread cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. They’re like edible hugs. If that’s not your style, try peppermint chocolate—rich and decadent with a minty zing that wakes up the taste buds.
I’ve learned the hard way, though, that presentation can’t always save a bad bake. There was the year I experimented with a cranberry-orange recipe that turned out… spongy. No amount of cute toppers could convince my guests to eat those. Moral of the story? Stick to what you know works.
5. Toppers Beyond Cupcakes: Be Bold
Who says toppers are just for cupcakes? One particularly ambitious year, I used them on brownies, cheesecake bites, and even a cheese platter. Yes, you read that right. A festive little topper stuck in a cube of sharp cheddar? Surprisingly adorable.
The cheese platter was a hit, though I did overhear someone mutter, “Is that Rudolph on a chunk of brie?” To which I responded, “Yes, and he’s delicious.” Sometimes, it’s best to embrace the ridiculousness of the holidays.
6. Baking with Kids: Chaos Meets Charm
If you’re brave enough to invite kids into your kitchen, be prepared for frosting in their hair, sprinkles on the ceiling, and enough laughter to make the mess worth it. When my daughter helps, the cupcakes rarely look polished, but they’re always the first ones devoured.
Last year, we made a batch together for her school’s Christmas party. She insisted on adding googly eyes to every topper. Were they cute? Sure. Did they give off slightly unhinged snowman vibes? Absolutely.
7. Sustainable Crafting: A Green Christmas
Now, let’s talk about sustainability. I’ve started printing my toppers on recycled cardstock and using wooden picks instead of plastic. It’s a small step, but it feels good knowing my festive touches aren’t leaving a pile of waste in their wake.
I’ll admit, I miss the glossy finish of traditional toppers. But the rustic look of recycled materials has its own charm—like a cosy cabin vibe instead of a shiny department store display.
A Cupcake Epiphany
Here’s what I’ve learned after years of Christmas baking: Christmas cupcake toppers aren’t just decorations. They’re conversation starters, memory makers, and tiny symbols of joy. Whether they’re snowmen with googly eyes or sparkly snowflakes, they bring people together.
So, grab your printables, crank up the Christmas tunes, and get decorating. And remember: it’s not about perfection—it’s about the laughter, the love, and the crumbs on the floor.