Name: Reindeer Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the cupcakes:; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup boiling water or hot coffee; For the frosting:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2–3 tbsp milk or cream; For decorating:; 12 mini pretzels (for antlers); 24 candy eyes; 12 red or brown chocolate candies (like M&Ms) for noses; 12 chocolate chips or round cookies (optional, for face base)

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These Reindeer Cupcakes are a festive, fun, and irresistibly cute treat that brings holiday cheer to any dessert table. Moist chocolate cupcakes are topped with a swirl of frosting and decorated to look like adorable reindeer—complete with pretzel antlers and candy noses. I love making these for holiday parties, bake sales, or a cozy afternoon of baking with kids.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cupcakes turn a simple dessert into something magical. They’re rich and chocolatey, easy to decorate, and almost too cute to eat—almost. The decorations are simple enough that I can pull them together with pantry staples or store-bought candy. Whether I’m baking them for a holiday event or just for fun, these cupcakes are always a hit and make everyone smile. Reindeer Cupcakes

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

for the cupcakes:
all-purpose flour
unsweetened cocoa powder
baking powder
baking soda
salt
granulated sugar
eggs
milk
vegetable oil
vanilla extract
boiling water or hot coffee (to deepen chocolate flavor)

for the frosting:
unsalted butter, softened
powdered sugar
cocoa powder
vanilla extract
milk or cream

for decorating:
mini pretzels (for antlers)
candy eyes
red or brown chocolate candies (like M&Ms) for noses
chocolate chips or round cookies (optional, for the face base)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a bowl, I whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
I add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla and mix until combined. Then I stir in the hot water or coffee to thin the batter.
I fill the cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. After baking, I let them cool completely.
For the frosting, I beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. I mix in vanilla and just enough milk to get a smooth, spreadable texture.
I frost the cupcakes with a round swirl, then decorate: I press in two pretzels for antlers, add candy eyes, and stick a red or brown candy in the center for the nose.
If I want to create a more detailed face, I place a flat cookie or chocolate disc first, then layer the decorations on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 cupcakes. It takes about 20 minutes to prep, 20 minutes to bake, and another 15–20 minutes to cool and decorate.

Variations

When I want to switch it up, I make vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting or peanut butter frosting for a richer flavor. I’ve also used cream cheese frosting tinted brown with a little cocoa powder. For a peppermint twist, I add peppermint extract to the frosting and top with crushed candy canes. Mini marshmallows or licorice strings can also make fun facial features.

storage/reheating

I store decorated cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. If I refrigerate them, I let them come to room temperature before serving. I don’t reheat these cupcakes—frosting and decorations are best enjoyed fresh. Reindeer Cupcakes

FAQs

Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them unfrosted. I decorate them the next day so the toppings stay fresh and crisp.

What’s the best way to attach the decorations?

I gently press the pretzels and candies into freshly frosted cupcakes so they stick. If needed, I use a dab of frosting as glue.

Can I use a box mix for the cupcakes?

Absolutely. When I’m short on time, I use a chocolate cake mix and focus on the fun decorating part.

How do I keep the pretzels from getting soggy?

I add the pretzels just before serving. If I store them overnight, I keep the cupcakes covered loosely to prevent condensation.

Can kids help make these?

Definitely. I love making these with kids—they enjoy adding the eyes and noses and creating their own reindeer faces. It’s a fun, hands-on holiday activity.

Conclusion

Reindeer Cupcakes are a cheerful, creative treat I love making during the holiday season. They’re as fun to decorate as they are to eat, and they never fail to bring joy to both kids and adults. With just a few simple ingredients and decorations, I can turn a batch of cupcakes into a herd of delicious holiday magic