Get ready to transform your holiday baking into a festive wonderland with these irresistibly cute Chocolate Reindeer Cupcakes! Imagine delighting your family and guests with these whimsical treats that are not just delicious, but also a guaranteed smile-maker. Perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or just spreading some seasonal cheer, these cupcakes combine rich chocolate flavor with adorable reindeer design that will make both kids and adults go "Aww!" in pure delight.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- Chocolate candies for decoration
- Pretzels for antlers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with festive holiday cupcake liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and sugar to ensure no lumps remain and ingredients are well combined.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and light, then gradually add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and milk into the butter mixture, blending until the wet ingredients are completely incorporated.
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a smooth chocolate batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove cupcakes from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack for about 30 minutes.
- Once cooled, frost the cupcakes with chocolate frosting, creating a smooth surface for decorating.
- Break pretzels in half to create antler shapes and carefully insert two pretzel pieces into the top of each cupcake at an angle.
- Use chocolate candies to create reindeer eyes and nose, placing them strategically to give each cupcake a playful, festive character.
- Optional: Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snow-like effect to enhance the winter holiday theme.
Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Use a light hand when folding dry ingredients to prevent tough cupcakes.
- For perfectly even cupcakes, use an ice cream scoop to distribute batter.
- Let cupcakes cool completely before decorating to prevent frosting from melting.
- Choose small, uniform pretzels for consistent antler shapes.
- Use tweezers for precise placement of candy eyes and nose.
- If you want extra moisture, brush cooled cupcakes with simple syrup before frosting.
- Store decorated cupcakes in a cool place to maintain their adorable design.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 75mg
