Reindeer Cupcakes

Reindeer cupcakes are the cutest holiday treat you’ll bake this season! With chocolate cupcakes, rich frosting, and playful decorations like pretzel antlers and candy eyes, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re crafting them with kids or surprising coworkers with edible Rudolphs, this recipe turns your kitchen into a winter wonderland.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🦌 Adorable Design – Instantly recognizable Rudolph faces
• 🍫 Chocolate Lovers’ Dream – Rich devil’s food cupcakes + chocolate buttercream
• 👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly – Great for decorating with little hands
• 🛒 Easy to Assemble – Made with simple store-bought candies
• 🎄 Perfect for Parties – Makes 20–24 cupcakes

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

• 1 box devil’s food cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk (or buttermilk)
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Chocolate Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2–3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• Pinch of salt (optional)

For Decorating

• Mini pretzels (antlers)
• Nilla wafers (muzzles)
• Brown M&M’s (noses)
• Red M&M’s (for Rudolph!)
• White M&M’s (eyes)
• Melted chocolate or chocolate chips (for eyeballs)

Instructions

1. Bake the Cupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, oil, vanilla, milk, and sour cream until smooth.
3. Sift in the cake mix and stir until combined.
4. Fill liners ¾ full and bake for 16–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let cupcakes cool completely before decorating.

2. Make the Buttercream

1. Beat butter in a stand mixer until creamy.
2. Add cocoa powder, 2 cups powdered sugar, and milk.
3. Mix until smooth, adding more sugar as needed for consistency.
4. Optional: Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

3. Create Reindeer Decorations

1. Use frosting to stick a brown or red M&M onto a Nilla wafer—this is your muzzle.
2. Melt chocolate chips and transfer to a small zip-top bag. Snip the corner to pipe dots on white M&M’s for eyes. Let set.

4. Assemble the Reindeer Cupcakes

1. Frost each cooled cupcake generously.
2. Press the Nilla wafer muzzle near the center.
3. Place two white M&M eyes above the muzzle.
4. Push mini pretzels into the top for antlers.
5. Repeat to make your whole reindeer herd!

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Servings: 20–24 cupcakes

Nutrition Facts (Per Cupcake)

• Calories: ~290
• Fat: 15g
• Sugar: 28g
• Carbs: 38g
• Protein: 2g

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on brands used.

Tips & Variations

• 🧁 Organize the Decorations: Use a muffin tin to separate candies—great for decorating with kids.
• 🦌 Make All Rudolphs: Use red M&M’s for every cupcake and call them your flying squad!
• 👀 Short on Time? Buy candy eyes instead of DIY ones.
• ❄️ Make Ahead: Bake cupcakes a day ahead and store unfrosted in an airtight container.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake flavor?
Absolutely! Chocolate works best for contrast, but vanilla, red velvet, or gingerbread are great holiday choices.

What if I don’t have sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt or even buttermilk can be substituted.

Do pretzels get soggy?
They stay crisp for a few hours. If making ahead, add antlers just before serving.

Can kids decorate these?
Yes! This is a perfect holiday baking activity for children. Just prep the eyes and muzzles ahead.

Conclusion

These reindeer cupcakes are as festive as they are foolproof. With a box mix base, homemade frosting, and clever candy decor, they’re sure to impress friends, family, and Santa himself. Add them to your holiday dessert table or bake with kids for a fun afternoon filled with frosting and laughter!