Name: Reindeer Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box cake mix (or homemade cupcake batter); ½ cup butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup milk; ½ cup candy melts chocolate; 1 tube red decorating icing (Wilton preferred); 1 tube brown decorating icing (Wilton preferred); 1 tube black decorating icing (Wilton preferred); ¼ cup chocolate chips (for antlers); 1 pack eyeball sprinkles; 12 festive cupcake liners; 1 sheet parchment paper

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how playful and creative these cupcakes are—they’re just as fun to make as they are to eat. The decorating process is simple enough for kids to help with, and the results are always impressive. The base is a moist cupcake that I can make from cake mix or my favorite homemade recipe. The addition of chocolate antlers and colorful icing transforms an ordinary cupcake into an adorable edible reindeer. They’re sweet, charming, and always a hit at holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cake mix (or homemade cupcake recipe)
butter (softened)
eggs
vanilla extract
milk
candy melts chocolate
red icing (for the nose)
brown icing (for the face)
black decorator icing (for the eyes)
chocolate chips (for piping antlers)
eyeball sprinkles
festive cupcake liners
parchment paper

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with festive cupcake liners.
I prepare the cupcake batter by mixing cake mix with butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk until smooth. I scoop the batter evenly into the liners and bake according to package directions, about 17 minutes. I let them cool completely on a wire rack.
While the cupcakes cool, I melt the candy melts chocolate in the microwave at 30% power, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
I transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip and pipe “Y” shaped antlers onto a parchment-lined surface. I make extra in case of breakage and let them harden completely.
Once the cupcakes are cool, I fill icing bags with red, brown, and black icing.
I pipe brown icing in a spiral on each cupcake to create the reindeer’s face.
I gently insert the hardened chocolate antlers into the tops of the cupcakes.
I add two black dots for eyes or press on eyeball sprinkles.
I pipe a bright red dot in the center for the reindeer’s nose.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 cupcakes and takes about 37 minutes total, including baking and decorating time. Each cupcake has approximately 250 calories.

Variations

I sometimes use chocolate cupcakes as a base for even more cocoa flavor.
For a fun twist, I add peppermint extract to the batter for a holiday flavor boost.
I use edible candy eyes instead of piping black icing for a cleaner look.
I top each cupcake with a small candy cane piece instead of antlers for a simple variation.
I add mini marshmallows to the center of the batter before baking for a surprise gooey middle.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them if the kitchen is warm. I freeze undecorated cupcakes for up to 1 week, then thaw and decorate when ready to serve. I don’t recommend freezing them after decorating since the icing and chocolate decorations can get damaged.

FAQs

Can I make the antlers ahead of time?

Yes, I like to make the antlers a day in advance and store them in a cool, dry place. That way they’re ready to go once the cupcakes are baked and cooled.

What cake mix works best?

I usually use a chocolate or vanilla cake mix, depending on what flavor I want. Adding a box of pudding mix and an extra egg makes the cupcakes extra moist and fluffy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, I use plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and check that my cake mix and icing are dairy-free to suit dietary needs.

How do I keep the antlers from breaking?

I make them a bit thicker at the base and pipe them onto parchment paper. I also handle them gently and press them into the frosting so they stay upright.

Can kids help decorate these?

Absolutely. This is one of my favorite baking projects to do with kids—they love adding the eyes and noses, and helping create the antlers.

Conclusion

Reindeer Cupcakes are a charming, festive treat that always adds a touch of holiday cheer. I love making these with family, and they’re always a hit at parties and gatherings. With a moist cupcake base and fun decorating steps, they’re the perfect combination of cute, creative, and delicious.