Description
Delightfully festive Reindeer Cupcakes perfect for holiday celebrations. These moist chocolate cupcakes are topped with a rich cocoa buttercream frosting and decorated to look like adorable reindeer using pretzel antlers, red candy noses, and edible eyes.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 200 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 200 g light brown soft sugar
- 150 g self-raising flour
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 4 medium eggs
Frosting
- 200 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 350 g icing sugar
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 75 ml evaporated milk
Decoration
- 12 pretzels (halved)
- 12 red M&Ms or Smarties
- 12 sets of edible eyes
Instructions
- Prepare baking cases and oven: Preheat your oven to 180ºC (160ºC fan) and line a muffin tray with 12 baking cups or muffin cases.
- Mix cupcake batter: Beat together 200 g of room temperature unsalted butter and 200 g of light brown soft sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add 150 g self-raising flour, 50 g cocoa powder, and 4 medium eggs, beating again until just combined to make the batter.
- Bake cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly into the 12 lined cases. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and cupcakes are fully baked. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Beat 200 g of room temperature unsalted butter alone for a few minutes to soften it. Gradually add 350 g icing sugar and 50 g cocoa powder and continue beating. Pour in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and slowly add 75 ml evaporated milk while beating to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Decorate cupcakes: Pipe the prepared cocoa buttercream frosting onto the cooled cupcakes using your favourite piping tip. Add two halves of pretzels on top as antlers, place a red M&M or Smartie for the nose, and finish by adding edible eyes to create a cute reindeer face.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is properly softened for a smooth batter and frosting.
- Cupcakes must be fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- The decoration can be customized with different candies if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Use fresh eggs and check baking times as ovens may vary.
