Easy Reindeer Cupcakes an Adorable Christmas Treat

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Dive into the holiday spirit with these adorable reindeer cupcakes – a no-fuss recipe that turns your kitchen into a festive workshop. These little delights are so much fun and a breeze to make, adding a sprinkle of joy to your seasonal celebrations without any hassle.

Six easy reindeer cupcakes arranged on the counter and surrounded by red M&Ms.

I love how these festive reindeer cupcakes are not only cute but also incredibly easy to make. Embracing the holiday chaos, I opted for a shortcut using cake mix and store-bought frosting – a game-changer for busy bakers like me. It’s the ideal kitchen project for the little ones, turning the process into a fun and festive family activity. Trust me, the joy of making and devouring these reindeer cupcakes is the perfect way to sprinkle some magic into your holiday season!

If you love cute reindeer treats, check out these Easy Reindeer Pretzels.

Ingredients for the Easy Reindeer Cupcakes

Chocolate cake mix + ingredients listed on the box – Provides a convenient and moist base for the cupcakes.
Chocolate frosting – Adds a velvety finish and serves as the adhesive for decorations.
Mini vanilla wafers – Act as crunchy reindeer snouts, adding sweetness.
Red M&Ms – Serve as vibrant red nose, providing a burst of color and chocolate.
Pretzel twists – Create salty and crunchy antlers for a playful texture.
Candy eyeballs – Bring the reindeer to life with a whimsical and charming touch. Candy eyeballs can be found in the grocery store baking aisle or in most craft stores’ cake decorating section.

Exact ingredient quantities and instructions can be found in the full recipe card at the bottom of the page

Making the Easy Reindeer Cupcakes

Bake and cool – Begin by lining your cupcake pan and preparing and baking the chocolate cupcakes according to the box directions. Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool to room temperature.

Collage showing four steps to make the cupcakes.

Frost – Once cooled, generously apply a smooth layer of chocolate frosting over the cupcakes, using a pallet or butter knife to create an even surface.
Add the muzzle – Take a mini Nilla Wafer and position it flat side down in the center-bottom on top of the cupcake, creating the base for our reindeer faces.
Attach the nose – Carefully apply a little frosting to one side of the M&M and affix it to the middle of the Nilla Wafer, forming the distinctive red reindeer nose.
Antler addition – Craft the antlers by carefully attaching two halves of pretzels to the top of each cupcake, ensuring a whimsical and edible touch.
Eye magic – Bring your cute reindeer cupcakes to life by applying two candy eyes just above the Nilla Wafer, adding a charming and animated expression to each sweet creation.
Set & enjoy – Exercise a bit of patience as you allow the frosting to set, and then, without further ado, indulge in the festive delight of these adorable reindeer cupcakes!

Collage showing four steps to decorate the reindeer face.

Variations and substitutions

Use your favorite cupcake recipe – Swap the chocolate cake mix for your favorite homemade chocolate cupcake recipe, adjusting the decoration quantities as needed.

Use your favorite frosting – Substitute the store-bought chocolate frosting with your preferred homemade chocolate frosting for a richer flavor.

Switch up the nose – Explore various alternatives for the reindeer nose, such as using candy-coated chocolates, red licorice, gumdrops, fondant, marzipan, dried cranberries, mini red jelly beans, or even a small dot of red frosting. Adjust the size and shape according to your preference, allowing for creative and delicious variations.

Antler options – Explore alternative antler options for your reindeer cupcakes, such as using pretzel sticks, chocolate-covered pretzels, mini wafer cookies, candy canes, toffee or caramel pieces, almond slices, or thin cookie sticks like Pocky or biscotti.

Seven reindeer cupcakes arranged on a platter on the counter.

Tips for success

Include the kids – Involve kids in the decorating process to make it a fun and interactive family activity, letting them express their creativity.
Cool before frosting – Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before applying frosting. This ensures that the frosting adheres well without melting, creating a smoother and more visually appealing finish on your reindeer cupcakes.
Decorate swiftly – Add facial features while the frosting is still wet. This allows the decorations to adhere securely.
Scale as needed – Adjust the recipe to suit your desired quantity, keeping in mind that most boxed cake mixes yield around 24 cupcakes. For any leftovers, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes to have delightful treats on hand for future occasions.
Use a piping bag – Consider using a piping bag for a neater and more controlled application of frosting on the M&M.
Coordinate colors – Consider coordinating the cupcake liners and decorations with your holiday theme.

Single cupcake decorated like a reindeer on a small white plate.

Storage

Store the chocolate reindeer cupcakes in a sealed container at room temperature for up to five days. The pretzel antlers may get soggy where they are in contact with the frosting. You can always replace the antlers if reserving leftovers or remove them from the cupcakes before storing them.

Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. Allow the cupcakes to thaw at room temperature before frosting. If you try to frost the cupcakes while frozen, the frosting will likely freeze and be difficult to spread.

Easy Reindeer Cupcakes FAQs

How do I prevent the pretzels from breaking when making antlers?

To prevent pretzels from breaking when making antlers, it’s essential to handle them with care. One effective way to cut pretzels without shattering them is to use a serrated knife. Hold the pretzel firmly in one hand and carefully cut through the pretzel using a gentle sawing motion with the serrated knife in the other hand. This method helps to avoid applying excessive pressure, reducing the likelihood of the pretzels breaking or splintering.

Can I make these cupcakes in advance?

Yes, you can! Bake the cupcakes in advance and store them unfrosted. Decorate them closer to the serving time for the freshest appearance.

Easy reindeer cupcakes arranged on the counter and surrounded by red M&Ms.

Looking for more holiday recipes?

Check out these fun recipes.

Love these Rudolph cupcakes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.