1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
• In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

2. Bake the Cupcakes

• Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
• Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Frosting

• Beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
• Stir in the vanilla extract and milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.
• Add brown food coloring and mix until evenly tinted.

4. Frost the Cupcakes

• Use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to frost each cupcake with a smooth, domed layer of brown frosting.

5. Decorate the Reindeer Faces

• Add the Antlers: Insert two mini pretzels at the top of each cupcake for antlers.
• Create the Eyes: Place candy eyes slightly below the antlers.
• Add the Nose: Use a red candy for Rudolph’s nose or a chocolate chip for a traditional reindeer nose.