Description
These adorable Reindeer Face Carrot Cupcakes are the perfect festive treat for the holiday season! Packed with moist, spiced carrot cake and topped with a sweet, creamy frosting, these cupcakes are decorated to resemble cheerful reindeer faces with candy eyes, pretzel antlers, and a red candy nose. They’re not just delicious, but also fun to make and perfect for holiday parties or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Carrot Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (if needed, to thin the frosting)
For Decorating:
- 24 mini pretzels (for antlers)
- 24 candy eyes (or mini chocolate chips)
- 24 red M&Ms or candy-coated chocolate (for the noses)
Instructions
-
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well between each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, and if the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
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Decorate the cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost each one generously with the cream cheese frosting using a spatula or piping bag.
- To create the reindeer faces, place two mini pretzels at the top of each cupcake to act as antlers.
- Add two candy eyes or mini chocolate chips near the top of the cupcake for the eyes.
- Place a red M&M or candy-coated chocolate in the center of the cupcake to create the reindeer’s nose.
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Serve and enjoy:
- Allow the frosting to set for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your festive and fun Reindeer Face Carrot Cupcakes!
Notes
- For a more festive touch, you can sprinkle some edible glitter or colored sprinkles around the reindeer’s face.
- If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly, but this frosting is meant to balance the spices in the carrot cake.
- These cupcakes are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 33
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg