Turkey Cupcakes Adorable Chocolate (Print Version)

Moist chocolate cupcakes with buttercream, candy eyes, and festive candies for a delightful holiday dessert.

# Components:

→ Cupcakes

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Buttercream Frosting

10 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 2 cups powdered sugar
12 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

→ Decorations

15 - 24 candy eyes
16 - 12 small orange or yellow candy-coated chocolates
17 - 60-72 small candy-coated chocolates, assorted colors
18 - Red decorating gel
19 - Chocolate sprinkles, optional

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl until evenly blended.
03 - Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Add one egg at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract.
04 - Alternately add the dry ingredients and whole milk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; avoid overmixing.
05 - Distribute the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
06 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract, blending until the frosting is light and fluffy.
07 - Apply a generous layer of chocolate buttercream to each cooled cupcake, using a piping bag or an offset spatula.
08 - Position 5 to 6 colorful candy-coated chocolates along the back edge of each cupcake to form feathers.
09 - Place two candy eyes near the center of each cupcake. Add one orange or yellow candy-coated chocolate below the eyes as the beak.
10 - Draw a wattle beside the beak using red decorating gel. Sprinkle chocolate sprinkles for additional texture if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses basic pantry staples
  • Ready in under an hour
  • Perfect for kids to help decorate
  • Adorable centerpiece for holiday gatherings
  • Customizable toppings for different tastes or allergies
02 -
  • Kid favorite at holiday gatherings
  • Vegetarian friendly when using plant based candies
  • Easy to prep ahead for parties
03 -
  • Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting or the buttercream will melt and slide
  • Softening the butter fully is crucial for smooth icing If in doubt let it sit at room temp for an hour
  • Use a piping bag with a star or round tip for professional looking whirls but a spoon and swirl works great too
  • Press candies and eyes into the frosting while it is still soft so decorations stay put
  • Swap red licorice bits or dried fruit for wattles if red decorating gel is unavailable
  • Try making mini cupcakes for bite size turkey treats that are great for little hands
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