20-Minute Double Chocolate Mini Reindeer Cupcakes
Adorable chocolate mini cupcakes transformed into festive reindeer with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and colorful noses. Perfect for holiday parties, school treats, or fun family baking projects. The rich chocolate base paired with whipped frosting creates an irresistible combination that delights both kids and adults. These bite-sized treats are easy to make using a cake mix and simple decorating techniques that turn ordinary cupcakes into memorable holiday characters.
Ingredients
- 1 box Betty Crocker Super Moist Devil's Food Cake Mix, or any chocolate flavor
- 1 ¼ cups water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 bag mini pretzels
- Wilton candy eyeballs
- 1 box coated chocolate candies, like Reese's Pieces for nose
- 1 tub (12 oz) Betty Crocker Whipped Chocolate Frosting
Instructions
- 1
Combine cake mix, water, oil and eggs following box directions
- 2
Mix batter and bake in mini muffin tins sprayed with non-stick baking spray
- 3
Remove cupcakes from oven to cooling rack and cool completely
- 4
Frost each mini cupcake top with whipped chocolate frosting
- 5
Dip two mini pretzels in frosting and place on cupcake in antler positions
- 6
Push pretzels in so they stay upright
- 7
Add two candy eyes and one coated candy piece for nose
- 8
Continue with remaining cupcakes
Tips
Make sure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting
Dip pretzel antlers in frosting before placing to help them stick better
Press decorations gently but firmly to secure them in the frosting
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days
Can frost and decorate up to 1 day ahead, store covered
Best served at room temperature for optimal frosting texture
Common Mistakes
Cool cupcakes completely to avoid melting frosting
Press decorations firmly to prevent falling off during transport
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use regular sized cupcakes instead of mini?
Yes, but you'll need fewer cupcakes and larger pretzel pieces for antlers. Adjust decorating accordingly.
What if I don't have candy eyes?
Use mini white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chip centers, or pipe small white dots with dark centers.
How long will these decorated cupcakes keep?
Store covered for 2 days at room temperature or refrigerate up to 5 days.