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Reindeer Cupcakes

Adorable chocolate cupcakes decorated like reindeer with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and red noses — the perfect festive treat for Christmas.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.75 cup milk
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup hot water or brewed coffee
For the Frosting
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.5 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp milk or cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
For Decorating
  • pretzels for antlers
  • candy eyes
  • red candies for noses

Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer
  • Piping bag or spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients together; mix wet ingredients separately.
  3. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then add hot water or coffee.
  4. Pour into liners and bake for 18–20 minutes.
  5. Cool completely before frosting.
  6. Make frosting by beating butter, powdered sugar, cocoa, milk, and vanilla.
  7. Frost cupcakes and decorate with pretzels, candy eyes, and red candies.