Reindeer Cupcakes

Christmas is coming, and that means it’s time to get creative in the kitchen! But creative doesn’t have to mean complicated. Instead make a batch of easy Reindeer cupcakes, and your kids will think you’re the best ever.

These cute Christmas desserts are perfect for school parties, family gatherings, or just a fun surprise for your little ones. All it takes is your favorite cupcake mix and a few simple ingredients to create a magical treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love this Reindeer Cupcakes Recipe

• Easy to Make: With the help of a box cake mix, a simple homemade frosting, and pretzels for antlers, they come together in no time.
• Super cute: Reindeer cupcakes will bring a smile to everyone’s face. Perfect for any Christmas gathering or party!
• Kid-Friendly: This recipe is easy enough that the kids can lend a hand, too.

How to Make Reindeer Cupcakes (Step-by-Step Directions):

To make things even easier for you, I created a simple photo guide below. For all measurements and a more detailed guide, check out the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

Make the Cupcakes

Step 1 – Combine cake mix, plus the ingredients listed on the box (typically oil, water, and eggs), in a large bowl. Whisk until well combined.

Step 2 –Pour the cake mix into the prepared muffin tin. Make sure the cups are not filled more than ⅔ of the way to the top. Bake according to box directions, about 15-20 minutes and allow the cupcakes to cool completely. (about 2 hours)

Step 3 –Meanwhile, add ½ cup softened butter, and 8 ounces softened cream cheese to a large mixing bowl. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth.

Step 4 –Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, 3 ½ cups powdered sugar, and ½ cup cocoa powder to the butter mixture. Beat with a mixer until well combined, making sure to scrape the sides of the bowl as you go.

Step 5 –Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe a swirl of chocolate frosting on top of the cooled cupcakes.

Step 6 –Create the reindeer face on each cupcake by adding two candy eyes, a red or brown M&M nose, and two pretzels as antlers.

Essential Tips:

Don’t skip these tips – read them before baking to avoid any potential mistakes.

• Use an ice cream scoop or cookie scoop to put the batter into your muffin tin. This will help make sure your cupcakes are all evenly sized.
• Don’t want to pipe frosting? Spread the frosting on the top of each cupcake using either the back of a knife or a 6-inch offset spatula for a more rustic look.
• Never frost warm cupcakes. If your cupcakes are even slightly warm, the frosting could melt and completely mess up the design.

Substitutions and Adaptations

• If you have a favorite from-scratch cupcake recipe, feel free to use that instead of the box mix.
• Or buy store-bought chocolate cupcakes and just do the decorating part.
• Instead of M&M noses, use red gumdrops, Whoppers, or cherry sours candy
• Jumbo candy eyes would really make your reindeer cupcakes stand out on the buffet.
• If you want to get really fancy, you can make your own chocolate antlers with this mold instead of using the pretzels.

FAQs:

Oops! I forgot to get candy eyes, what else can I use?

Here are two easy ways to make eyes without having to buy the specialty candy eyes:

Option 1 – Use kitchen shears to cut a large marshmallow into round slivers. Place two marshmallow slivers on your cupcake, sticky side up. Add a brown M&M to the marshmallow for the pupil, and you’re good to go!

Option 2 – Use a small round cookie (like a Nilla wafer) or white chocolate melting wafers for the eyes. Then dab a bit of frosting on the back of a brown M&M and place it on the cookie to create the pupils.

How do I store the Reindeer Cupcakes?

If you wish to make these cupcakes in advance, you can make them up to the point of frosting them. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. (The cream cheese frosting needs to be refrigerated)

When you’re ready to serve, allow the cupcakes to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before adding the eyes, nose and antlers.

Note: You can refrigerate the cupcakes with the reindeer faces, but the pretzels will likely get stale, so I only recommend doing that with leftover cupcakes.

If you liked my Reindeer Cupcakes, you’re going to love my Melting Snowman Cookies. With a simple sugar cookie base, and a fun decorating technique, they’re a cute addition to any holiday or winter party.

Or you can check out my other Christmas desserts recipes here.

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