Reindeer Cupcakes Recipe

Here’s a fun and festive recipe for Reindeer Cupcakes that will bring smiles to your holiday table! These cupcakes are not only delicious but also make a cute and creative holiday treat, perfect for kids and adults alike.

Reindeer Cupcakes Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder (for chocolate flavor)
• 1/4 cup hot water

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder (optional, for chocolate frosting)
• 2-3 tbsp whole milk (or as needed)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Decorating:

• 12 large pretzels (for antlers)
• 24 mini marshmallows (for eyes)
• 12 red M&M’s or red candy (for noses)
• 12 chocolate chips (for eyes)
• 12 small pieces of chocolate (for the mouth)
• Small white candies or icing for eye highlights (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Cupcakes:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
• Add the hot water to the batter and mix until smooth. The batter will be slightly thin.
• Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Frosting:

• Beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
• Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder (if using), and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
• Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency (it should be smooth and spreadable).
• If you want chocolate frosting, add the cocoa powder. For vanilla frosting, leave it out.

3. Decorate the Cupcakes:

• Once the cupcakes have cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting on top of each cupcake using a spatula or piping bag.
• To make the reindeer’s antlers, gently break the pretzels into the shape of antlers and place one piece on each side of the cupcake.
• Add two mini marshmallows as eyes by gently pressing them into the frosting.
• For the nose, place a red M&M or red candy in the center of the cupcake.
• Use a chocolate chip to make the eye pupils and a small piece of chocolate for the mouth below the nose.
• If desired, use white icing or small white candies to create highlights in the eyes.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

• Your adorable Reindeer Cupcakes are ready to delight your guests! These festive treats will be the highlight of any holiday gathering.

Tips:

• If you don’t want to use pretzels for antlers, you can substitute them with chocolate sticks or pipe chocolate antlers using a piping bag.
• You can use store-bought frosting if you’re short on time.
• For a different twist, use chocolate cupcakes or red velvet cupcakes as the base!

These Reindeer Cupcakes are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season! They’re not just delicious, but also make for a charming decoration on your dessert table.