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Adorable Rudolph the Reindeer Cupcakes

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These Adorable Rudolph the Reindeer Cupcakes are a festive and fun holiday treat! Chocolate cupcakes are decorated with chocolate frosting, pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and a bright red candy nose to resemble Rudolph. Perfect for holiday parties or baking with kids!

Ingredients

Scale

For the cupcakes:

  • 1 1/4 cups (155 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) boiling water

For the frosting:

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 1/2 cups (315 g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) cocoa powder
  • 2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml) milk or heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For decorating:

  • Mini pretzels (for antlers)
  • Candy eyes
  • Red candy-coated chocolates (e.g., M&Ms) for noses
  • Mini marshmallows (optional, for added decoration)


Instructions

1. Make the cupcakes:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin.
  • Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

2. Make the frosting:

  • In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well. Add the milk and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

3. Decorate the cupcakes:

  • Frost each cooled cupcake with the chocolate frosting.
  • Place two pretzels at the top of each cupcake to create antlers. Add two candy eyes just below the antlers and press a red candy nose in the center.

4. Serve and enjoy:

  • Arrange the cupcakes on a festive platter and serve at your holiday gathering!


Notes

  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • For extra flair, use edible glitter or sprinkles to make Rudolph’s nose sparkle.
  • Substitute chocolate cupcakes with your favorite flavor, like vanilla or red velvet.