Reindeer Cupcakes Recipe

Introduction

These Reindeer Cupcakes bring festive fun and chocolatey delight to any celebration. Soft cocoa cupcakes topped with creamy chocolate frosting are decorated with pretzel antlers, red candy noses, and edible eyes to create an adorable holiday treat.

Ingredients

• 200 g unsalted butter (room temperature, divided)
• 200 g light brown soft sugar
• 150 g self-raising flour
• 50 g cocoa powder
• 4 medium eggs
• 350 g icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 75 ml evaporated milk
• 12 pretzels (halved)
• 12 red M&Ms or Smarties
• 12 sets of edible eyes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180ºC (160ºC fan) and prepare 12 muffin cases in a baking tray.
2. Step 2: Beat 200 g of unsalted butter with the light brown soft sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the self-raising flour, cocoa powder, and eggs to the butter and sugar. Beat until everything is well combined.
4. Step 4: Divide the batter evenly between the 12 cases and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Step 5: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
6. Step 6: For the frosting, beat the remaining 200 g of unsalted butter alone for a few minutes until soft.
7. Step 7: Gradually add the icing sugar and cocoa powder to the butter while beating, then mix in the vanilla extract.
8. Step 8: Slowly add the evaporated milk while continuing to beat, until you achieve a smooth, spreadable frosting.
9. Step 9: Pipe the frosting generously onto each cooled cupcake using your preferred piping tip.
10. Step 10: Decorate each cupcake by placing two pretzel halves as antlers, adding a red M&M or Smartie as a nose, and attaching edible eyes to complete the reindeer look.

Tips & Variations

• If you prefer, substitute the cocoa powder with melted chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Use almond or oat milk instead of evaporated milk to make the frosting dairy-free.
• Try using chocolate-covered pretzels for a sweeter antler variation.
• Store the cupcakes in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft.

Storage

Store the decorated cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Reheat briefly in a warm oven if desired, but avoid microwaving to preserve decoration.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes a rising agent. Make sure it is suitable for cakes to maintain the right texture.

How do I keep the pretzel antlers from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, add the pretzel halves just before serving the cupcakes. They will maintain their crispness and provide the perfect crunch.

Reindeer Cupcakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 71 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Reindeer Cupcakes are a delightful holiday treat featuring rich chocolate cupcakes topped with creamy cocoa frosting and decorated to look like festive reindeer using pretzels, red candies, and edible eyes. Perfect for Christmas parties or winter celebrations, they combine moist, tender cake with a smooth and flavorful chocolate buttercream.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cupcakes

• 200 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 200 g light brown soft sugar
• 150 g self-raising flour
• 50 g cocoa powder
• 4 medium eggs

Frosting

• 200 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 350 g icing sugar
• 50 g cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 75 ml evaporated milk

Decoration

• 12 pretzels (halved)
• 12 red M&Ms or Smarties
• 12 sets of edible eyes

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Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 180ºC (160ºC fan). Line a 12-hole muffin tin with baking cups or muffin cases to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cupcake Batter: In a mixing bowl, beat the 200 g of unsalted butter and 200 g of light brown soft sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crumb.
3. Add Dry Ingredients and Eggs: Gradually add 150 g self-raising flour and 50 g cocoa powder to the butter mixture. Then, add the 4 medium eggs. Beat all ingredients together until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
4. Portion and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cases. Place in the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
5. Cool Completely: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool entirely on a wire rack before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.
6. Prepare the Frosting: In a clean bowl, beat 200 g unsalted butter alone for a few minutes until softened. Gradually add 350 g icing sugar and 50 g cocoa powder while beating continuously to combine.
7. Add Vanilla and Milk: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Slowly pour in 75 ml evaporated milk while beating until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.
8. Decorate the Cupcakes: Using a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip, pipe the cocoa frosting onto the cooled cupcakes in a swirl or desired pattern.
9. Add Festive Decorations: Finish by placing two halved pretzels into each cupcake to resemble antlers, add a red M&M or Smarties as the Rudolph nose, and attach two edible eyes to complete the reindeer face.

Notes

• Ensure that the butter used in both the batter and frosting is at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Allow cupcakes to cool fully before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.
• You can substitute evaporated milk with regular milk but it may slightly affect the frosting’s richness.
• Use a piping bag with a star tip for a classic look or any tip of your preference to decorate the cupcakes.
• Store finished cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: reindeer cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, holiday cupcakes, Christmas cupcakes, festive dessert, chocolate frosting, holiday treats