Chocolate Reindeer Cupcakes

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Learn how to make adorable Chocolate Reindeer Cupcakes with this easy recipe that uses a boxed mix and homemade chocolate frosting.

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Total Time35

Course: Christmas, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chocolate Reindeer Cupcakes

Servings: cupcakes

Calories: 431kcal

Author: Lois

Get Recipe Ingredients

Make the cupcakes according to the directions on the box.
Make the frosting by whipping the melted, room temperature butter with a mixer on medium speed until slightly fluffy.
To the butter, add half of the sugar and half of the cocoa powder. Mix until combined, then repeat with the remaining sugar and cocoa powder.
Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk. Mix until smooth. Add an extra tablespoon of milk until the desired consistency is reached.
Make sure the cupcakes have cooled before decorating. Fill the piping bag with the frosting and pipe onto the cupcakes in a large spiral motion.
Break or cut the pretzel into smaller pieces and poke them into the top of the icing to create antlers.
Stick on the eyes towards the middle of the cupcake. Place a red M&M underneath the eyes for the nose.

When making these Chocolate Reindeer Cupcakes, be sure to let the cupcakes cool completely to avoid melting the frosting. Adjust the frosting consistency by adding milk a little at a time until it’s thick enough to pipe and hold its shape.

To make piping easier, use a piping bag with a 1M star tip or even a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off if you don’t have a piping bag.

When decorating the cupcakes to look like Rudolph, use a red M&M, Red Hots, or red Skittles. If you don’t have candy eyes, mini marshmallows or white chocolate chips with a dot of melted chocolate or black icing can make a cute substitute.

For the antlers, carefully break pretzels in half, or use whole pretzels for a whimsical look.