How to Make DIY Cupcake Toppers

Need tips on how to make cupcake toppers? I’ve got you covered! Let me show you how to make DIY cupcake toppers.

I absolutely adore cupcake toppers. And I’m going to show you how to make the perfect topper using glossy cardstock or photo paper for your next party.

Cupcake toppers can be used to enhance any themed party and make your dessert table more festive by having decorated cupcakes next to the birthday cake. Whether it’s a baby shower, birthday party, bridal shower or any other special occasion, cupcake toppers are an easy way to decorate.

Keep reading for all the deets. But, if you’re a visual learning, keep scrolling for the video tutorial!

How to Make DIY Cupcake Toppers FAQ

What is a cupcake topper?

Cupcake toppers are decorations that can be placed on top of a cupcake. It could be printed or cut cardstock attached to a stick, an acrylic circle engraved with custom wording, sculpted fondant characters, or an edible image frosting sheet placed on top of the cupcake. But for this tutorial, our focus will be using cardstock and making printable cupcake toppers.

How big should a cupcake topper be?

The size of a cupcake topper is dependent on the size of the cupcake. For a standard cupcake, the size of the cupcake topper should be 2 inches wide up to 2.75 inches wide. If making a basic circle, I recommend 2.5 inches. However, if these are meant for mini cupcakes, opt for a size that is between 1.5 inches and 2 inches.

Cupcake Topper Craft Supplies

The supplies you will need for this tutorial is based on designing a print and cut cupcake topper.

• Cutting machine- you can use cricut machine (such as maker or explore) or silhouette cameo
• Printer
• Cardstock or photo paper 
• Double-sided tape, glue stick, or hot glue gun
• Sandwich pick, lollipop stick, or toothpick

Cupcake Topper Instructions

1. Bring in clipart

Open Cricut design space and upload the clipart or design as a print and cut image. The best type of images to use are PNG images, as they will already have the background removed and ready to cut.

2. Adjust size

Resize to ensure that your cupcake topper will print at the correct size. For standard cupcakes I try to keep my width between 2 inches and 2.75 inches.

3. Duplicate

Make as many copies that will fit. If your cupcake toppers will be front and back, be sure to include mirrored copies of the graphic if it is not a basic shape like a circle or square. This will ensure they will line up. Keep in mind, if you have added text such as happy birthday on top of the design, do NOT mirror the text, otherwise it will appear backwards.

4. Print

I use this printer for my party favors and designs, but I also have the smaller version. If printing on glossy cardstock or photo paper, ensure you change your printer settings. Be sure to set the paper type to GLOSSY PHOTO PAPER. If using an HP printer, set the paper type to HP PHOTO. This will prevent the black ink from smearing on your paper. If using standard white cardstock, set paper to matte, high quality.

5. Cut

After printing, now it’s time to cut. Place your cardstock on your mat and load into the machine. Be sure to select the correct material.

6. Adhere to sticks

Finally, you’re ready to assemble. Once cut out, add glue or tape to the top of the toothpick or sticks. I prefer sandwich sticks because the tops are flat, making it easier to adhere. Then place the design on the stick to adhere them together. If making a double-sided cupcake topper, just add more adhesive and add the second cut out, ensuring it lines up with the front.

Hopefully you found this tutorial beneficial and that you now know how to make DIY cupcake toppers. So next time you’re DIYing party supplies, don’t forget about that delicious cupcake and be sure to make some birthday cupcake toppers with your party theme to decorate it with. You could even make matching cupcake wrappers and custom chip bags to finish the look.

If you’re having a hard time finding cupcake topper designs, check out some of these editable cupcake toppers: