Description
These Easy Reindeer Cupcakes are a fun and festive holiday treat perfect for kids and parties. Made with chocolate cake mix and rich chocolate frosting, each cupcake is decorated with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and a bright red candy nose to resemble cute reindeer. Quick to prepare and bake, these cupcakes add a playful seasonal touch to any dessert table.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
Frosting and Decoration
- 1 tub (16 oz) chocolate frosting
- 24 mini pretzels
- 24 candy eyes
- 12 red chocolate candies (such as M&M’s)
- 12 brown cupcake liners (optional)
- Optional sprinkles or sanding sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare Cake Batter: Preheat your oven as per the cake mix instructions. Prepare the chocolate cake mix following the package directions, which typically involves combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, preferably brown to mimic the reindeer’s color. Fill each liner about two-thirds full with the prepared batter to ensure perfect rising.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Bake the cupcakes for 18–22 minutes, or according to package instructions, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool completely before decorating.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Using a butter knife or a piping bag, evenly spread a generous layer of chocolate frosting on the top of each cooled cupcake to create the base for decorations.
- Create Reindeer Antlers: Break the mini pretzels in half to form antler shapes. Gently press two pretzel halves into the frosting on each cupcake towards the back to resemble antlers.
- Add Eyes and Nose: Place two candy eyes just below the pretzel antlers on each cupcake. Then, add a red chocolate candy at the front center for the reindeer’s nose, pressing gently so it sticks securely.
- Final Touches: Optionally, decorate with sprinkles or sanding sugar to add extra festivity. Serve immediately or store cupcakes in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Notes
- You can use homemade chocolate cupcakes and frosting if you prefer a custom recipe.
- To make one cupcake stand out as ‘Rudolph,’ give it the red nose and use brown candies for the others.
- These cupcakes are ideal for holiday parties and are very kid-friendly, making baking with children fun and engaging.
