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!