How to Make Reindeer Cupcakes

These cute little reindeer cupcakes are super easy to make and they are perfect for the holidays!

They’re great to make for any holiday party, but we especially love to make them together as a family at our annual Christmas Eve dinner. 

The best thing about this recipe is that it uses ingredients that most people already have at home.

It’s easy to prepare, requires no special equipment, and doesn’t require any special skills.

If you want to try something different, then this recipe is perfect for you.

Main Ingredients Needed

You don’t need much to make these reindeer cupcakes.

You will need your favorite chocolate cake mix or from scratch recipe, pretzel twists, chocolate frosting, red M&M candy and some Wilton candy eyes.

If you want to make the shortcut version, just purchase some pre-made chocolate cupcakes at store. Easy peasy.

How long do the cupcakes last for and can they be frozen?

The cupcakes will keep at room temperature for about 4 days if stored in an airtight container.

If you freeze them, they should keep for about 2 weeks. Just remember to freeze them individually, making sure the frosting doesn’t touch.

When ready to eat, let them defrost at room temperature for about an hour.

Can you make the cupcakes with plain/all purpose flour?

Yes! You can make cupcakes using all-purpose flour.

When following your favorite from scratch recipe, it’s not necessary to use cake flour if you don’t have it on hand. 

Can the cupcakes be made gluten or dairy free?

The best way to ensure they’re both gluten and dairy free would be to substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour and almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk.

Baking gluten-free is often times a tricky endeavor though, so in this case you’ll want to follow your favorite gluten free chocolate cupcake recipe EXACTLY for the best results.

Choose gluten free pretzels for the antlers and M&Ms are already gluten-free so you won’t have to worry there.

Are there any alternative ways for creating the reindeer’s face?

Yes! There are several alternatives to making the reindeer’s nose. One option is to simply pipe it onto the frosting using another color. You could do the same with the eyes.

How to Make Reindeer Cupcakes with Pretzels

​​Ingredients

• your favorite chocolate cake mix or from scratch recipe
• pretzel twists
• chocolate frosting
• red M&M candy
• Wilton candy eyes

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line cupcake pan with liners.

Prepare the cake mix according to directions and pour into the cupcake pan.

Bake for 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown (follow the directions for your mix/recipe) and then let cool completely.

You can use this Betty Crocker Cupcake Frosting for easy piping or whatever your favorite chocolate frosting. 

Pipe the chocolate frosting onto the cupcakes or you can put the frosting into a bowl and dip the cupcakes upside down onto it.

Break a pretzel twist in half to make two curved pretzel pieces and insert at the top of the cupcake to act as reindeer antlers.

Use the red M&M as a nose and add the candy eyes. All done!

Other Fun Holiday Dessert Recipes To Try

Quick and Easy to Make Reindeer Treat Recipe

Cutest Holiday Breakfast Idea Ever! Bite Size Santa Pancakes

These Snowman Cupcakes are So Adorable and Easy to Make!

Because Everyone Needs These Polar Bear Marshmallows in Their Life!

DIY Winter Wonderland Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows

This 4 Ingredient Candy Cane Puff Pastry Recipe is Simple but Tasty