Hi, I’m Clara, and welcome to my kitchen here at Cooking Inspired! I still remember the thrill of holiday baking with my mom, the sweet aroma of vanilla and chocolate filling our home, and the joy of decorating cookies and cupcakes together. Now, I want to help you create those same magical memories with your family. These Easy Reindeer Cupcakes are the perfect way to add a sprinkle of Christmas cheer to your dessert table, and they’re so simple that even the busiest mom can whip them up in about 45 minutes. Let’s get baking!
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Easy Reindeer Cupcakes
These Easy Reindeer Cupcakes aren’t just cute, they’re also incredibly practical!
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for those busy festive holiday moments.
- Simple Decorations: No need for fancy piping skills; these decorations are a breeze!
- Kid-Friendly: Get your little ones involved; they’ll love helping to decorate.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at delicious holiday gatherings.
Simple & Festive: Easy Reindeer Cupcakes Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line pans with cupcake liners.
- Sift cake mix into a small bowl and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine eggs, oil, vanilla extract, milk and sour cream until smooth.
- Stir in cake mix.
- Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake for 16-20 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out clean.
- Let cool.
- Chocolate frosting: Beat vegetable shortening. Add cocoa powder, 2 C. powdered sugar and milk. Slowly add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
- Prep reindeer “faces” by using frosting to stick brown M&M’s on Nilla Wafers (some red for Rudolphs if you want). Melt down a few chocolate chips, put in a small plastic bag, snip off the tip to make a mini piping bag and “dot” little eyeballs on the white M&M’s to make eyes.
- Frost cupcakes.
- Place Nilla wafers with M&M’s on cupcakes, then place pretzels above. Use a little frosting to stick on 2 eyes and there you go!
Notes
Ingredients for Your Reindeer Cupcakes
Here’s what you’ll need to create these adorable reindeer cupcakes:
- 1 box devil’s food cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 C. oil
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 C. milk or buttermilk
- 1/2 C. sour cream
- 1 C. vegetable shortening
- 1/3 C. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2-3 C. powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp. milk
Step-by-Step Instructions for Decorating Easy Reindeer Cupcakes
Follow these simple steps to create your own festive reindeer cupcakes. I’ve broken it down so it’s super easy to follow!
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line pans with cupcake liners. This ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Sift cake mix into a small bowl and set aside. Sifting helps remove any lumps and makes the cake mix lighter.
- In a large bowl, combine eggs, oil, vanilla extract, milk and sour cream until smooth. This creates a rich and moist base for your cupcakes.
- Stir in cake mix. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough cupcakes.
- Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake for 16-20 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Let cool. Cooling completely prevents the frosting from melting.
- Chocolate frosting: Beat vegetable shortening. Add cocoa powder, 2 C. powdered sugar and milk. Slowly add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
- Prep reindeer “faces” by using frosting to stick brown M&M’s on Nilla Wafers (some red for Rudolphs if you want). Melt down a few chocolate chips, put in a small plastic bag, snip off the tip to make a mini piping bag and “dot” little eyeballs on the white M&M’s to make eyes. This is where your creativity shines, so have fun!
- Frost cupcakes. I like to use a piping bag for a neat finish, but a knife works just as well.
- Place Nilla wafers with M&M’s on cupcakes, then place pretzels above. Use a little frosting to stick on 2 eyes and there you go! Arrange the reindeer faces and pretzels carefully to get the perfect reindeer look.
Tips for Making the Best Easy Reindeer Cupcakes
Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years to make sure your cupcakes are a hit:
- Frosting Consistency: Add powdered sugar gradually to get the perfect frosting consistency; it should be thick enough to hold its shape, but still easy to spread.
- Pretzel Antlers: Be gentle when inserting the pretzel antlers, as they can break easily. If they do, just use a little frosting to mend them back together.
- Even Baking: Make sure your oven is properly preheated to ensure even baking and avoid sunken cupcakes.
Common Cupcake Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Cupcake baking can be tricky, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
- Runny Frosting: If your frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Dry Cupcakes: Avoid overbaking by checking the cupcakes a few minutes before the recommended time. An inserted toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Uneven Melting of Chocolate: To melt chocolate chips evenly, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Here are the tools you’ll need:
- Cupcake Pans: A good quality cupcake pan ensures even baking.
- Cupcake Liners: Choose festive liners to add to the holiday spirit.
- Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: Makes frosting and batter preparation easier.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Kid-Friendly Adaptations for Easy Reindeer Cupcakes
Make this a fun family activity!
- M&M Sorting: Have kids sort the M&M’s by color for the reindeer faces.
- Wafer Crushing: Let kids crush the Nilla Wafers in a bag for the muzzle.
- Sprinkle Duty: Kids can sprinkle edible glitter or sprinkles on the frosted cupcakes.
Recipe Variations
Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a couple of ideas:
- Peppermint Cupcakes: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a festive twist.
- Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting: Use a gingerbread cake mix and top with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a cozy flavor.
- Or, if you’re planning a larger meal, consider a fresh Christmas salad to balance the sweets.
How to Store Your Reindeer Cupcakes
To keep your reindeer cupcakes fresh and delicious:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Party Time: If you’re serving them at a party, they can sit out for a few hours before the frosting starts to soften.
Tips for Gifting and Transporting Reindeer Cupcakes
Sharing is caring, but transporting decorated cupcakes can be tricky. Here’s how I do it:
- Cupcake Carriers: Use cupcake carriers with individual slots to prevent the cupcakes from bumping into each other.
- Individual Boxes: Place each cupcake in a small individual box to keep the decorations intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Absolutely! Store-bought frosting works just fine if you’re short on time.
How do you make the chocolate eyes?
Melt a few chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Once melted, transfer to a small plastic bag, snip off the tip, and gently dot the melted chocolate onto the white M&Ms to make eyes. Avoid overheating the chocolate, as it can become grainy. If it seizes, try adding a tiny bit of vegetable shortening and stirring until smooth again.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just use a gluten-free devil’s food cake mix.
How far in advance can I make these?
You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Frost and decorate them the day you plan to serve them for the best results.
Conclusion
I hope these Easy Reindeer Cupcakes bring as much joy to your kitchen as they do to mine. They’re simple, festive, and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Don’t forget to snap a picture of your creations and share them with me in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your festive reindeer cupcakes!
