Holiday DIY hacks: Take ‘elfies’ with family and make these cute Christmas cupcakes
It’s Christmas morning!
Perhaps you’re cuddled up at home surrounded by your loved ones, drinking a warm cup of hot cocoa and reveling in the spirit of the holidays.
But now is the best time to get your DIY on. We’re here to help with some fun, festive ideas for you and your family to enjoy.
Whether you like crafting or baking -- or both -- we have you covered thanks to baker extraordinaire Daneshia Lynch and craft expert Amber Kemp-Gerstel, who both shared some holiday-themed DIY projects.
Let’s get started!
DIY holiday cupcakes
Snowflakes, Christmas trees and reindeer? Yes, please! Daneshia Lynch of DrunkN Shots loves her cupcakes, and we don’t blame her, but she’s given us some fun tips to mix them up.
“I really dislike when your pan is greasy from the liner,” she said. “So I have a trick: you put some rice grains at the bottom and voila, no grease.”
Another tip: For “Snowflake Cupcakes,” use coconut flakes to replicate snow. And for an added element of fun, you can toast the flakes to add some crisp.
To add some smiles to the faces of your little elves, try out some “Reindeer Cupcakes.” With vanilla wafers, Red Hots and pretzels, you can create cute faces atop your sweet treats. Plus, you can add little eyes available from your local craft or baking supply store. Just frost over a chocolate cupcake, add ingredients and enjoy! (But make sure to remove the non-edible elements, especially from small children’s cupcakes.)
Lynch also has a hack for a Christmas tree cupcake. She suggests using an ice cream cone as the base and then add the frosting via a piping bag.
Pro tip: Make sure there is no air in the piping bag to execute the perfect pipe.
And for ornaments? Decorate as your heart sees fit. We used sprinkles and mini M&M’s.
Take an “elfie” with your family
Kemp-Gerstel has a simple hack you can use to transform the typical selfie into a festive “elfie.”
Have leftover boxes, ornaments, garland and wrapping paper? This is a fun and creative way to upcycle!
“You’re going to take a cardboard box, open it up, square it off, make a rectangle in the center to make your frame,” she said. “Wrap your frame and grab all the goodies laying on the floor to decorate your frame.”
Then, snap a photo with your family.
She reminds that your projects don’t need to be perfect. At the end of the day, it’s all about family time -- and keeping your family busy.
Cheers to your crafty and delicious morning!
