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Reindeer Cupcakes

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These Reindeer Cupcakes are festive chocolate treats decorated with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and colorful noses—perfect for holiday parties, baking with kids, or spreading some seasonal cheer.

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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
  3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until combined, then stir in boiling water or coffee until smooth.
  4. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  5. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
  6. For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and cocoa gradually, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and enough milk to reach a spreadable consistency.
  7. Frost cooled cupcakes with a swirl of chocolate frosting.
  8. Decorate each cupcake: Press in two pretzels for antlers, add candy eyes, and place a red or brown candy as the nose.
  9. Optional: Use a flat cookie or chocolate disc as a face base before adding decorations.

Notes

  • Use a boxed chocolate cake mix for a shortcut.
  • Add pretzels just before serving to prevent sogginess.
  • Decorate with kids as a fun holiday activity.
  • Switch up the frosting or cake flavor to your taste.
  • Store frosted cupcakes at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/reindeer-cupcakes/