December 27, 2021 · Written by Foodtolive Team

How to Make Reindeer Cupcakes

With just a few ingredients you can have these adorable reindeer cupcakes that are perfect for Christmas baking, especially for kids to get involved in making and decorating. It is a moist chocolate cupcake with chocolate buttercream frosting.

Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories: 420 | Total Fat: 27.6g | Fiber: 5.1g | Sugar: 53.8g | Protein: 3.8g

INGREDIENTS:

For the cupcakes:

• 3/4 cup sifted soft white wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 cup organic cacao powder
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
  

  Red Maca Latte

• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

For the frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup organic cacao powder
• 3 tbsp milk
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the decorating:

• Melted chocolate for antlers
• Black candy sprinkles for eyes
• Red M&M’s for noses

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Set aside.
2. For the cupcakes: whisk the flour, cacao powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, oil, and vanilla together until combined. Pour half of the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Then half of the buttermilk. Gently whisk for a few seconds. Repeat with the remaining wet ingredients and buttermilk. Stir until just combined.
3. Pour or spoon the batter into the liners. Fill only halfway to avoid spilling over the sides or sinking.
4. Bake for 20 min, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cooling completely before frosting.
5. For the frosting: with a handheld or stand mixer beat the butter on medium speed until cream. Add powdered sugar, cacao powder, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.

6. Carefully swirl icing onto the top of the cupcakes.
7. For decorating: melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl on 30% power for 30-second increments until fully melted. Snip the tip of a disposable decorating bag. Fill the bag with melted chocolate.
8. Lay out a piece of parchment paper and slowly draw antlers using a “Y” design. Allow to dry.
9. Add two chocolate antlers to each cupcake. Use black candy sprinkles to create eyes. Finish the reindeer cupcake using M&M’s, giving each cupcake a red nose.