Cupcake Wrappers

decorative cupcake wrappers made with patterned paper

Cupcake wrappers are decorative paper bands that fit around baked cupcakes. They are different from cupcake liners or baking cups because they are not baked in the oven. Instead, wrappers are added after the cupcakes are baked, cooled, frosted, and ready to serve.

This simple cupcake wrapper tutorial shows how to make wrappers with cardstock, a printable pattern, scissors, tape or glue, and themed paper. Use them for birthday parties, holidays, classroom treats, cupcake decorating stations, or kids cooking parties. You can also find more basic tools on the cupcake supplies page.

If you are planning a full cupcake activity, start with how to make cupcakes, then visit how to frost cupcakes before adding your wrappers.

Kids Cooking Activities Teaching Materials

Teaching kids to cook? Save time with ready-made lesson plans used by parents and teachers. Browse teaching materials →

This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

On This Page

What Are Cupcake Wrappers?

Cupcake wrappers are used to dress up finished cupcakes. They cover the outside of the cupcake liner and make cupcakes look more polished for a party table or dessert display.

Because cupcake wrappers do not go in the oven, they stay bright, clean, and decorative. This makes them especially helpful when regular cupcake liners look greasy, faded, or plain after baking.

Important: Cupcake wrappers are for decorating finished cupcakes. Use regular cupcake liners or baking cups when baking the cupcakes.

Cupcake Wrapper Supplies

The most important supply is sturdy 8.5 x 11 inch cardstock or decorative paper that can fit through your printer. The color or pattern you choose will set the theme for your cupcakes.

  • 8.5 x 11 inch cardstock or scrapbook paper
  • Printer
  • Free cupcake wrapper pattern
  • Scissors
  • Scrapbooking scissors for decorative edges
  • Tape, glue stick, or glue dots
  • Ribbon, lace, stickers, ric rac, or small paper decorations
  • Baked, cooled, and frosted cupcakes

decorative cupcake wrappers around frosted cupcakes

How to Make Cupcake Wrappers

Follow these steps to make simple cupcake wrappers from cardstock or decorative paper.

  1. Choose cardstock or decorative paper that matches your party, holiday, or cupcake theme.
  2. Print the free cupcake wrapper pattern onto the paper.
  3. Cut out each wrapper pattern. There are two wrappers on one sheet.
  4. Use regular scissors for a clean edge or scrapbooking scissors for a decorative top edge.
  5. Wrap the paper around a cooled cupcake to check the size.
  6. Match up the ends of the wrapper.
  7. Tape or glue the ends together so the wrapper holds its shape.
  8. Place a baked, cooled, and frosted cupcake inside the wrapper.
The printable pattern helps keep each wrapper the same size. After printing, cut out one wrapper as a test before making a full set.

free printable cupcake wrapper pattern cupcake wrapper patterns cut out from decorative paper

Quick tip: If you are making wrappers for a party, make them a day ahead. Store them flat or loosely shaped, then add cupcakes after they are frosted.

Cupcake Wrapper Theme Ideas

Cupcake wrappers are an easy way to match cupcakes to a party theme without changing the cupcake recipe.

Birthday Wrappers

  • Bright colors
  • Polka dots
  • Stripes
  • Favorite character colors
  • Number stickers

Holiday Wrappers

  • Orange and black for Halloween
  • Red and green for Christmas
  • Pastels for Easter
  • Red, white, and blue for patriotic themes
  • Hearts for Valentine's Day

Elegant Wrappers

  • White cardstock
  • Lace trim
  • Gold or silver paper
  • Ribbon accents
  • Soft floral patterns

Kid-Friendly Decorating Ideas

Kids can help decorate cupcake wrappers even if adults handle the cutting. This turns the wrapper project into a simple craft activity before the cupcake decorating begins.

  • Add stickers to plain cardstock wrappers.
  • Write names on wrappers for a party place card idea.
  • Use markers to draw small patterns before wrapping.
  • Add ribbon, lace, or ric rac around the top edge.
  • Use a hole punch and tie a small tag to the wrapper.
  • Match wrapper colors to frosting colors or sprinkles.

Kid-friendly job: Younger kids can choose paper, add stickers, count wrappers, and place cooled cupcakes inside. Older kids can help trace, cut, fold, and design wrapper sets.

Helpful Tips

  • Do not bake cupcakes in homemade cardstock wrappers.
  • Let cupcakes cool completely before adding wrappers.
  • Frost cupcakes before placing them inside wrappers.
  • Use sturdy cardstock so the wrapper holds its shape.
  • Make one test wrapper before printing a full set.
  • Use double-sided paper if the inside of the wrapper will show.
  • Keep wrappers away from wet frosting or juicy toppings.

More Cupcake Decorating Pages

Use these pages to continue the cupcake decorating cluster:

fun cupcake ideas for kids Fun Cupcake Ideas

Return to the main cupcake decorating hub for baking, frosting, cupcake cakes, bouquets, and party projects.

how to make cupcakes with kids How to Make Cupcakes

Bake cupcakes before decorating them with wrappers, frosting, and toppings.

how to frost cupcakes How to Frost Cupcakes

Practice frosting swirls and simple decorating before adding wrappers.

cupcake supplies for kids Cupcake Supplies

Find cupcake liners, pans, decorating tips, wrappers, toppers, and basic tools.

cupcake tree stand Cupcake Tree Stand

Display decorated cupcakes and wrappers on a homemade cupcake tower.

kids cake decorating ideas Kids Cake Decorating Ideas

Explore more cake decorating projects, frosting ideas, cookies, cupcakes, and creative desserts.

Cupcake Wrappers FAQ

Can cupcake wrappers go in the oven?

No. Decorative cupcake wrappers are placed around baked and cooled cupcakes. They are not the same as cupcake liners or baking cups and should not be baked unless the package specifically says they are oven safe.

What paper works best for homemade cupcake wrappers?

Cardstock works best because it is sturdy enough to hold its shape. Scrapbook paper, holiday paper, or double-sided decorative cardstock can also work well if it fits through your printer.

Can kids help make cupcake wrappers?

Yes. Kids can choose paper, decorate wrappers, add stickers, and help place cooled cupcakes inside the wrappers. Adults should supervise cutting, especially with decorative scissors or craft tools.

When should I put cupcakes in wrappers?

Put cupcakes in decorative wrappers after they are baked, cooled, and frosted. Add the wrappers close to serving time so the paper stays clean and crisp.

More Cake & Cupcake Decorating Ideas

Cake Decorating
Cake & Cupcake Recipes 10 Decorating Ideas Piping Techniques Buttercream Techniques Cake Borders Color Cake Batter Filling Layers Buttercream Transfer Decorating Patterns Chocolate Transfers Fondant Decorating Fondant Recipes

Cake Projects & Parties
Jar Cakes Cake Decorating Party Cookie Cake Cake Pops Cone Cakes

Cupcake Ideas
How to Make Cupcakes Frost Cupcakes Fun Cupcake Ideas Cupcake Cakes Giant Cupcake Cake Cupcake Push Pops Cupcake Bouquet Cupcake Recipes Heart Cupcakes Cream Filled Cupcakes

Cupcake Printables & Supplies
Cupcake Wrappers Cupcake Tree Stand Cupcake Supplies

Cookie Decorating
Cookie Decorating Color Flow Decorating

Back to Fun Cupcake Ideas
How to Make Cupcakes
How to Frost Cupcakes
Make a Cupcake Tree Stand
Back to Kids Cake Decorating Ideas

Get Free Kids Recipe Cards + Cooking Printables

Join Kids Cooking Activities for fun recipes, cooking ideas, and printable resources for kids, families, and classrooms.

Join the Free Printables Club

Follow Kids Cooking Activities too:

Kids Cooking Activities on Facebook Kids Cooking Activities on Instagram Kids Cooking Activities on Twitter Kids Cooking Activities on Pinterest Kids Cooking Activities on YouTube