Description
These Easy Reindeer Cupcakes are a fun and festive Christmas dessert perfect for kids and families. Featuring moist chocolate cupcakes topped with rich, fluffy cocoa buttercream and decorated with candy eyes, red M&M noses, and pretzel antlers, these cupcakes bring holiday cheer in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cupcake recipe)
- Ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
Frosting
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2½ cups (300g) powdered sugar
- ¾ cup (70g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Decorations
- 24 mini pretzels (2 per cupcake)
- 12 red M&Ms or red candies (for noses)
- 24 candy eyes
- 12 brown mini M&Ms (optional for alternate reindeer noses)
Instructions
- Prepare and bake cupcakes: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Line a cupcake pan with liners. Prepare the batter as directed on the box and fill each liner about two-thirds full. Bake them for approximately 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder while mixing. Then, mix in the heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue to beat until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Frost the cupcakes: Using a piping bag or an offset spatula, spread or pipe the chocolate frosting onto each cooled cupcake in a smooth, dome-shaped layer to resemble reindeer faces.
- Decorate with reindeer features: Place two candy eyes on each cupcake for eyes. Add one red M&M or candy as the nose in the center. Gently break mini pretzels in half and insert two pieces into the top of each cupcake to mimic reindeer antlers. Optionally, use brown mini M&Ms instead of red for alternate noses.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use softened butter for a smoother frosting texture.
- For a homemade version, you can substitute the cake mix with your favorite chocolate cupcake recipe.
- To make decorating easier, use a piping bag for the frosting.
- Mini pretzels may break when inserting; handle gently.
- These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated up to 5 days.
