Unwrap the joy of the holiday season with our 12 Delicious Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes Recipes! Perfect for home cooks looking to add a festive twist to their baking, these adorable and tasty treats are sure to delight family and friends. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, there’s a recipe here to spark your Christmas spirit. Let’s dive into these merry creations!
Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

Whip up these festive Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting for a holiday treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for parties or a sweet weekend project, these cupcakes combine cool peppermint with rich chocolate for a dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For decoration:
- 24 small pretzel twists
- 48 mini chocolate chips
- 24 red M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add water, vegetable oil, vinegar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk, and beat until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract. Tip: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes and decorate with pretzel twists for antlers, mini chocolate chips for eyes, and a red M&M for the nose to create reindeer faces.
Moist and minty with a rich chocolate finish, these cupcakes are a holiday hit. Serve them on a festive platter or box them up as adorable edible gifts.
Gluten-Free Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes

Craving a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? These Gluten-Free Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes are your holiday hero—easy, adorable, and packed with minty freshness.
Ingredients
- For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- For decoration:
- 24 mini pretzels
- 48 candy eyes
- 24 red M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep cupcakes light.
- Divide batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Tip: Rotate the pan halfway for even baking.
- Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk, beating until fluffy. Tip: If too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time.
- Frost each cupcake and decorate with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and an M&M nose to create reindeer faces.
Rich chocolate meets cool peppermint in these moist cupcakes, crowned with playful reindeer faces. Serve them at your next holiday gathering or package them as sweet gifts—they’re sure to delight.
Vegan Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes

Absolutely no one can resist these whimsical Vegan Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes—perfect for holiday cheer or a festive treat any day of the year.
Ingredients
- For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1-2 tbsp almond milk
- For decoration:
- 24 vegan chocolate chips
- 12 small pretzels, broken in half
- 24 red candy eyes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with 12 liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- While cupcakes cool, beat vegan butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and almond milk until frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Once cupcakes are cool, frost each one generously.
- Press two chocolate chips into each cupcake for eyes, a pretzel half for antlers, and a candy eye for the nose to create reindeer faces.
Kick back and enjoy these adorable cupcakes—moist chocolate base meets cool peppermint frosting, all dressed up as cute reindeer. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Outrageously festive and irresistibly sweet, these cupcakes are your holiday party’s showstopper. Packed with peppermint punch and topped with creamy dreamy frosting, they’re a bite-sized celebration.
Ingredients
- For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red food coloring
- Mini candy canes and edible eyes for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add water, vegetable oil, vinegar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each 2/3 full.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
- Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy. Tip: For a stiffer frosting, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time.
- Divide the frosting into two bowls. Tint one portion with red food coloring.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes with the white frosting, then add a swirl of red on top to mimic a reindeer’s scarf.
- Decorate with mini candy canes for antlers and edible eyes to bring your reindeer to life.
With a moist, minty base and a tangy cream cheese finish, these cupcakes are a textural dream. Serve them on a platter surrounded by holiday lights for an Instagram-worthy moment.
Low-Carb Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes

Outrageously fun and guilt-free, these Low-Carb Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes are your holiday game-changer. Packed with festive flavors and adorable looks, they’re a surefire hit for any gathering.
Ingredients
- For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup erythritol
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- For the frosting:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered erythritol
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- For decoration:
- 12 small pretzels
- 24 mini chocolate chips
- 12 red candy eyes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, erythritol, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep cupcakes fluffy.
- Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack. Tip: Cooling prevents frosting from melting.
- For frosting, whip heavy cream, powdered erythritol, and peppermint extract to stiff peaks. Tip: Chill bowl and beaters for quicker whipping.
- Frost each cupcake, then decorate with pretzel antlers, chocolate chip eyes, and a red candy nose.
These cupcakes boast a moist, rich texture with a refreshing peppermint zing. Serve them on a festive platter or as a sweet surprise in lunchboxes.
Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Frosting

Holiday magic meets your taste buds with these Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes. **Bake** a batch that’s as fun to make as they are to eat—perfect for festive gatherings or a sweet solo treat.
Ingredients
- For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, scraped
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- For decoration:
- 24 mini pretzels
- 48 candy eyes
- 24 red M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the peppermint extract.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl; gradually add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk.
- Fill each cupcake liner two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
- Cool cupcakes completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat 1/2 cup butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla bean seeds, and milk until smooth and spreadable. Tip: If too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time.
- Frost each cupcake and decorate with pretzels for antlers, candy eyes, and an M&M for the nose. Tip: Use a piping bag for a professional-looking frosting swirl.
Unwrap the joy of biting into these moist, peppermint-kissed cupcakes topped with rich vanilla bean frosting. Serve them on a festive platter or box them up as adorable edible gifts.
Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes with Candy Cane Topping

Flaunt your festive spirit with these whimsical cupcakes that blend peppermint’s cool zest with a playful reindeer twist. Perfect for holiday parties, they’re as fun to make as they are to devour.
Ingredients
- For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- For the topping:
- 12 small candy canes, crushed
- 24 mini pretzels
- 24 red M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each 2/3 full.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract, beating until fluffy.
- Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
- Press crushed candy canes onto the frosting for a peppermint crunch.
- Break pretzels in half and insert into the frosting for reindeer antlers.
- Place two M&Ms on each cupcake for eyes and one for the nose.
These cupcakes boast a moist chocolate base with a creamy peppermint frosting that’s irresistibly smooth. The candy cane topping adds a festive crunch, while the pretzel antlers and M&M features bring them to life. Serve them at your next holiday gathering for a treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes with White Chocolate Ganache

Transform your holiday dessert game with these whimsical cupcakes that blend cool peppermint with rich white chocolate. Perfect for festive gatherings or a sweet treat to brighten your day.
Ingredients
- For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For the ganache:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- For decoration:
- Red and brown candy melts
- Mini pretzels
- Small round candies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Tip: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the peppermint extract.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined. Tip: Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
- For the ganache, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer, then pour over the white chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes before stirring until smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, dip the tops into the ganache, allowing the excess to drip off.
- While the ganache is still wet, decorate with candy melts for the reindeer’s face, pretzels for antlers, and round candies for the nose.
Velvety ganache meets fluffy peppermint cake in every bite, creating a festive flavor explosion. Serve these adorable reindeer cupcakes at your next holiday party for a show-stopping dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes with Dark Chocolate Drizzle

Let’s dive into these festive treats that blend cool peppermint with rich dark chocolate—perfect for holiday parties or a sweet winter pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp peppermint extract
- For the drizzle:
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- For decoration:
- 12 small pretzel twists
- 24 candy eyes
- 12 red M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and peppermint extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the drizzle, melt dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle the chocolate over the cooled cupcakes using a spoon or piping bag.
- Immediately press two candy eyes and one red M&M onto each cupcake for the reindeer face, then add pretzel twists as antlers.
Now, these cupcakes offer a delightful crunch from the pretzels against the soft, minty cake, while the dark chocolate adds a luxurious finish. Serve them on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting

Make your holiday baking unforgettable with these whimsical cupcakes that blend cool peppermint with sweet marshmallow frosting. Perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy night in, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients
- For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- For decoration:
- Red and brown M&Ms
- Mini pretzel twists
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add water, vegetable oil, vinegar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
- Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, marshmallow fluff, vanilla extract, and milk, beating until smooth and fluffy. Tip: If frosting is too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time.
- Frost cooled cupcakes and decorate with M&Ms for eyes and noses, and pretzel twists for antlers.
Absolutely divine, these cupcakes offer a moist, chocolatey base with a refreshing peppermint twist, topped with cloud-like marshmallow frosting. Serve them on a festive platter or box them up as sweet holiday gifts.
Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes with Peppermint Buttercream

Viral-worthy and utterly festive, these cupcakes blend cool peppermint with rich buttercream for a holiday treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for cookie exchanges or Santa’s midnight snack.
Ingredients
- For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- For the peppermint buttercream:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- Crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Tip: Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
- Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the buttercream, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract, beating until smooth.
- Add a few drops of red food coloring to achieve a festive hue. Tip: Start with a small amount; you can always add more.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes with the peppermint buttercream and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
Bold in flavor with a tender crumb, these cupcakes offer a refreshing minty kick against the deep chocolate base. Serve them on a platter with mini candy canes for an extra holiday touch.
Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes with Sprinkles

These peppermint reindeer cupcakes are your holiday party’s showstopper. Transform basic cupcakes into festive treats with a few clever twists and a sprinkle of magic.
Ingredients
- For the cupcakes:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- For decoration:
- 1/2 cup chocolate sprinkles
- 24 mini pretzels
- 48 candy eyes
- 24 red M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, mix the vanilla cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and peppermint extract until smooth. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep cupcakes light.
- Fill each liner 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract. Tip: Adjust milk for desired consistency.
- Frost each cupcake with a generous swirl. Immediately decorate with sprinkles for them to stick.
- Break pretzels in half for antlers. Press two halves into the frosting at the top of each cupcake.
- Add two candy eyes and a red M&M for the nose to complete the reindeer face. Tip: Use a dab of frosting to secure if needed.
Adorable and minty, these cupcakes boast a fluffy texture with a cool peppermint kick. Serve on a platter surrounded by holiday lights for an extra festive touch.
Conclusion
Perfect for any holiday gathering, these 12 Delicious Peppermint Reindeer Cupcakes Recipes offer a festive twist on classic treats. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, there’s a recipe here to delight your taste buds. We’d love to hear which one becomes your favorite—don’t forget to leave a comment and share the joy by pinning this article on Pinterest. Happy baking!