These adorable Mini Reindeer Cupcakes are an easy holiday treat made with cake mix, chocolate frosting, chocolate sprinkles and candy eyes.
They’re another one of my reindeer dessert recipes that are perfect for classroom parties, family gatherings, and Christmas dessert tables.
A free printable template is included to help you pipe the chocolate antlers quickly and neatly.
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Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 30 min | Cook/Bake: 20 min | Decorating: 30 min
Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 48 mini cupcakes
Main Ingredients: cake mix, chocolate frosting, candy eyes
Best For: Holiday parties, classroom treats, Christmas dessert tables
Make Ahead: Yes, you can bake and decorate ahead of time
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate up to 3 days
Looking for more Christmas snacks? Try my Reindeer Cake Pops, Reindeer Noses, and even my Reindeer Pudding Cups. Yum!
Table of Contents
- Recipe at a Glance
- Why I Love This Recipe (and Your Family Will Too)
- Recommended Kitchen Tools
- My Kitchen Tools Essentials
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Substitutions and Variations
- Free Reindeer Antler Template
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Storage & Serving Tips
- Recipe FAQ's
- Didn't find the answer you're looking for?
- More Christmas Desserts You'll Love!
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Food Safety Tips:
- 💬 Comments
Why I Love This Recipe (and Your Family Will Too)
These mini reindeer cupcakes are easy to make, fun to decorate, and always a hit with kids and adults.
Using cake mix and simple decorations keeps the process stress-free while still giving you a festive treat to share.
👉 If you love these, you’ll also enjoy my Santa Reindeer Treats eBook with even more fun and festive ideas.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
For a full list of kitchen tools used in this recipe, be sure to check the recipe card below. You can also browse my Favorite Kitchen Tools by clicking the photo below.
Check out my list...
My Kitchen Tools Essentials
Tools that will make your time easier and faster in the kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. For exact amounts and an easy way to shop, use the Instacart button in the recipe card below to add everything to your cart.
Substitutions and Variations
Cake Mix: Use vanilla or funfetti cake mix instead of chocolate cake mix. You can also use a homemade cake recipe works just as well if you prefer baking from scratch.
Frosting: Swap the canned chocolate frosting for homemade chocolate ganache or homemade peanut butter frosting.
Eyes: Use mini chocolate chips, brown M&M’s in place of candy eyes.
Antlers: Try pretzel pieces or broken chocolate sticks instead of piped chocolate like I do with my Homemade Vanilla Reindeer Cupcakes recipe.
Size: Make regular-size cupcakes instead of mini cupcakes and decorate the same way.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Free Reindeer Antler Template
Use this free printable template to easily pipe the chocolate antlers and decorate your cupcakes with consistent results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section provides step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Prepare the cake batter according to the box instructions.
Step 2: Fill a mini cupcake pan prepared with liners and bake according to box instructions.
Step 3: Frost the cooled cupcakes with the chocolate frosting.
Step 4: Dip the frosted cupcakes in chocolate sprinkles to completely cover.
Step 5: Place wax paper over the template. Pipe the melted chocolate thickly so they're not too fragile.
Step 6: Once the chocolate has set, gently remove them from the wax paper and place towards the top of the cupcake.
Step 7: Add 2 candy eyes right below the antlers.
Step 8: Then finish off with the red nose below the eyes.
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO let the chocolate antlers fully set before lifting them off the parchment so they don’t break.
❌ DO NOT rush the chilling step, or the antlers may bend or lose their shape.
Storage & Serving Tips
Refrigerate: Store decorated cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let cupcakes sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for best texture.
Freezer: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months when wrapped tightly and placed in a freezer-safe container. Freezing decorated cupcakes is not recommended, as the candy and chocolate antlers may lose texture.
Thawing Tips: Thaw unfrosted cupcakes overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for about 1 hour.
Serving Tips: Add the chocolate antlers just before serving for the best appearance. Arrange on a holiday platter or cupcake stand for easy serving at parties and gatherings.
Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
You can use pretzels, pretzel thins, broken graham crackers, wafer cookies, or Tootsie Rolls as easy substitutes for the chocolate antlers. You could also try fruit leather strips or small pieces of candy cane.
Yes, you can absolutely use mini muffins instead of cupcakes. Just keep in mind they will bake faster and are smaller, so use fewer decorations and adjust the antlers and faces to fit the size.
To help the chocolate antlers stay in place, make sure they are fully set before inserting and gently twist them into the frosting rather than pushing straight down. Chilling the cupcakes for a few minutes before serving also helps firm up the frosting and hold the antlers securely.
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📖 Recipe Card
Mini Reindeer Cupcakes with Chocolate Antlers
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix, prepared as mini cupcakes
- 1 container chocolate frosting
- ½ cup red candy melts
- 12 ounces chocolate chips
- 96 candy eyes
- chocolate sprinkles
Equipment
Method
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely, then spread the icing over the top of each cupcake in a thin layer.
- Pour the sprinkles into a small bowl and dip the top of each cupcake into the sprinkles.
- Print out the template and tape it to a flat surface. Place a piece of wax paper on top and use a piece of tape to hold it in place.
- Melt the chocolate chips according to the package instructions and transfer to a piping bag.
- Cut the tip of the piping bag and pipe the melted chocolate over the antlers on the template, making sure to create thick lines to keep the chocolate from breaking.
- Melt the red chocolate according to the package instructions and transfer it to a piping bag. Cut the tip off the bag and pipe it on to the noses on the template.
- Allow the chocolate to cool completely, then use a flat spatula to remove it from the wax paper.
- Place each of the antlers on top of the cupcake, along with two candy eyes and the red chocolate nose.
Nutrition
Notes
Tips
- Let the chocolate antlers fully harden before removing them from the template so they don’t break when handling.
- Use a small offset spatula or spoon to smooth the frosting on top so the reindeer faces look neat and even.
- Add the eyes and nose before inserting the antlers to make placement easier.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Store decorated cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- You can bake the cupcakes and make the antlers 1–2 days in advance, then decorate before serving.
- If refrigerating, let cupcakes come to room temperature before serving for best texture.
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Food Safety Tips:
- Baked goods are done when they reach their recommended internal temperature—usually between 190–210°F (88–99°C), depending on the type. Always check the recipe for exact guidance.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils for raw meat and cooked foods.
- Use separate utensils and surfaces for raw ingredients, especially eggs, to prevent cross-contamination.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
- Refrigerate or consume food promptly; don’t leave it at room temperature for extended periods.
- Keep a close eye on food while cooking to prevent accidents.
- Choose oils with a high smoking point to minimize the release of harmful compounds.
- Maintain good ventilation when using a gas stove to ensure safety and comfort.
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