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Christmas Reindeer Cupcakes

Festive chocolate cupcakes decorated as cute reindeer with chocolate antlers and red candy noses, perfect for holiday parties and family baking fun.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp milk (for frosting)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 12 chocolate candy or pretzels (antlers)
  • 12 red candies (noses)
  • 24 mini chocolate chips (eyes)

Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Cupcake liners
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla.
  4. Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients, alternating with milk until smooth.
  5. Divide batter evenly into cupcake liners and bake 18–22 minutes. Cool completely.
  6. Beat butter and powdered sugar for frosting. Add milk and vanilla until fluffy.
  7. Frost cupcakes and decorate with chocolate antlers, red candy noses, and mini chocolate chip eyes.

Notes

Cupcakes can be made a day ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Let kids help with decorating for a fun holiday activity.