PUT A SMILE ON THE DIAL OF THE LITTLE ONES
These cute little reindeer cupcakes are the perfect treat for little Christmas helpers.
REINDEER CUPCAKES
Makes 18 INGREDIENTS 100g dark chocolate
1 cup (250ml) water
125g butter, softened
1 1⁄4 cups (255g) brown sugar 3 eggs
1 1⁄2 cups (225g) self-raising flour 1⁄2 cup (75g) plain flour 1⁄4 cup (30g) cocoa powder 36 large pretzels
18 white chocolate buttons 18 red M&Ms 36 green M&Ms Chocolate piping gel Chocolate buttercream 125g butter, softened
3 cups (600g) icing sugar mixture 1⁄3 cup cocoa powder
2 tbsp milk METHOD Preheat oven to 160C. Line eighteen 1⁄3 cup (80ml) muffin pans with paper cases.
Combine the chocolate and water in a medium saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool completely.
Use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until pale and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the combined flours, cocoa powder and chocolate mixture, in batches, and stir to combine. Divide evenly among the lined pans.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centres comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
To make the buttercream, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until very pale. Gradually add the icing sugar, cocoa and milk, in batches, beating well between each batch.
Spread icing evenly over each cupcake. Arrange the pretzel on each cupcake to create antlers. Place a white chocolate button on the opposite side to create a nose. Use the piping gel to attach the red M&Ms to create a red nose. Arrange green M&Ms for eyes, and top with chocolate piping gel for pupils. More at taste.com.au