Name: Easy Reindeer Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: PT-490089H39M52S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup hot water or brewed coffee; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for frosting); 2–3 tbsp milk or cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting); 24 mini pretzels; 24 candy eyes; 12 red or brown candies (M&M’s or similar)

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Easy Reindeer Cupcakes are a fun and festive treat that I love making during the holiday season. With moist chocolate cupcakes, a swirl of frosting, and adorable candy decorations that turn each one into a little reindeer face, these cupcakes bring joy to any dessert table. They’re perfect for parties, gifting, or baking with kids.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, cute, and always gets a smile. The base is a rich, chocolatey cupcake, but it’s the reindeer decoration that really brings it to life. I don’t need any special decorating skills—just a few store-bought candies and a bit of creativity. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat. Easy Reindeer Cupcakes

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cupcakes:

All-purpose flour
Cocoa powder
Baking powder and baking soda
Salt
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Milk
Vegetable oil
Vanilla extract
Hot water or brewed coffee (for enhanced chocolate flavor)

For the frosting:

Unsalted butter (softened)
Powdered sugar
Cocoa powder
Milk or cream
Vanilla extract

For decoration:

Mini pretzels (for antlers)
Candy eyes
Red or brown candies (like M&M’s or chocolate-covered candies) for noses
Optional: chocolate chips or small cookies for extra face details

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, I whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
In another bowl, I mix the wet ingredients: eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. I add them to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined.
I pour in the hot water or coffee and mix until smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s what makes them moist.
I divide the batter into the liners and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. I let them cool completely.
For the frosting, I beat the butter until fluffy, then slowly add powdered sugar and cocoa. I mix in milk and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
I frost each cupcake with a generous swirl of chocolate frosting.
I decorate with two mini pretzels for antlers, two candy eyes, and a red candy nose to make each one look like a little reindeer.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 cupcakes.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 18–20 minutes
Decorating time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: Around 50–55 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I use vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting for contrast, or red velvet cupcakes for a festive touch. I’ve swapped in peanut butter frosting for a fun flavor twist, or used marshmallows instead of candies for the eyes. For mini cupcakes, I use broken pretzels for smaller antlers and mini candies for noses.

storage/reheating

I store these cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4. If chilled, I let them sit out for 20–30 minutes before serving so the frosting softens. I don’t recommend reheating—they’re best served at room temp. Easy Reindeer Cupcakes

FAQs

Can I use a cake mix instead?

Yes. I often use a chocolate cake mix when I’m short on time. I just follow the box instructions and focus on the fun part—the decorating.

How do I keep the pretzel antlers from going soft?

I decorate right before serving or store the cupcakes uncovered for the first hour to keep the pretzels crisp.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. I bake and frost the cupcakes a day ahead, then decorate with candies and pretzels the day I plan to serve them.

What’s the best way to apply the decorations?

I lightly press each candy into the frosting so it holds in place, and I use a piping bag for cleaner frosting swirls.

Can kids help with decorating?

Absolutely. I let them help with the faces—placing the eyes, noses, and antlers is a fun, kid-friendly activity.

Conclusion

Easy Reindeer Cupcakes are one of my favorite festive treats to make during the holidays. They’re simple, delicious, and guaranteed to bring a little magic to any celebration. Whether I’m baking for a holiday party, classroom event, or just enjoying a cozy baking day, these cupcakes always make the season a little sweeter.