Description
Magical Rudolph the Reindeer Cupcakes bring festive cheer to holiday dessert tables with adorable chocolate treats topped by red-nosed reindeer faces. Chocolate lovers and Christmas fans will delight in these whimsical cupcakes that capture the spirit of seasonal joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups (155 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50 g) cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (50 g) cocoa powder
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) boiling water
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) milk or heavy cream
Decorating Ingredients:
- Mini pretzels
- Candy eyes
- Red candy-coated chocolates (e.g., M&Ms)
- Mini marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and arrange cupcake liners in a muffin tin, ensuring even spacing.
- Combine cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps.
- In a separate large bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency. Incorporate eggs individually, blending after each addition, then gently fold in vanilla extract.
- Gradually introduce dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Pour boiling water into the batter, creating a surprisingly thin, silky texture. Stir carefully to ensure uniform consistency.
- Distribute the chocolate batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each compartment approximately two-thirds full to allow proper rising during baking.
- Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake – it should emerge clean and free of raw batter.
- Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, ensuring they reach room temperature before decorating.
Notes
- Choose high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, deep chocolate flavor that makes these cupcakes extra delicious.
- Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to help them blend smoothly and create a more consistent batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter when combining dry and wet ingredients, as this can make the cupcakes tough and dense.
- Use boiling water to help activate the cocoa and create a more intense chocolate taste in the final cupcakes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg