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Christmas Reindeer Cupcakes

Adorable chocolate cupcakes decorated as reindeer with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and red noses—perfect for Christmas celebrations.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Christmas
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Cupcakes
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs large
  • 0.75 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup hot water or coffee
Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Decorations
  • mini pretzels for antlers
  • red candies for noses
  • candy eyes

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Muffin pan
  • Piping bag or spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
  3. In another bowl, whisk sugars and oil. Add eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then stir in hot water or coffee until smooth.
  5. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake 18–20 minutes. Cool completely.
  6. Beat butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, cream, and vanilla. Whip until fluffy.
  7. Frost cupcakes and decorate with candy eyes, red noses, and pretzel antlers.

Notes

You can use store-bought cupcakes or frosting for a shortcut. Perfect activity for kids during Christmas week!