These Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes are the perfect treat to spread holiday cheer. With a rich chocolate base, creamy peppermint frosting, and cute reindeer decorations, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit at any Christmas party or gathering. The combination of chocolate and peppermint flavors creates a delightful taste that everyone will love. The recipe is easy to follow and yields moist and fluffy cupcakes that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Get into the festive spirit with these adorable and delicious sweet treats.
Ingredients
- For the cupcakes:
- - 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- - 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- - ¼ teaspoon salt
- - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- - 1 cup granulated sugar
- - 2 large eggs
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - ¾ cup whole milk
- - ½ cup hot water
- - 24 small pretzels
- - 24 red M&M's
- - 48 candy eyes
- - 48 small chocolate chips
- For the frosting:
- - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- - 3 cups powdered sugar
- - 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- - 2-3 tablespoons milk
- - Red food coloring (optional)
- - Green food coloring (optional)
- - Crushed candy canes, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk.
- Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
- In the meantime, prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined.
- Mix in the peppermint extract and milk until the frosting reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
- If desire, add a few drops of red or green food coloring to tint the frosting.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost each cupcake generously with the peppermint frosting.
- To create the reindeer decorations, press two pretzels into the top of each cupcake for antlers.
- Place two candy eyes on each cupcake near the top, slightly inwards from the pretzels.
- Use a dab of frosting to stick a red M&M's on each cupcake as a nose.
- Lastly, use small chocolate chips to create the reindeer's eyes, pressing them into the frosting just below the candy eyes.
- If desired, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the cupcakes for a festive garnish.
- Serve and enjoy these adorable and tasty Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes!
