Ingredients
1 box chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box
1 1/3 c. (2 sticks and 5 1/3 tbsp.) butter, softened
5 1/3 c. powdered sugar
2/3 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
4 tbsp. heavy cream
Pinch kosher salt
Pretzels, for decorating
Candy corn, for decorating
M&Ms, for decorating
Candy eyes, for decorating
Preparation
Step 1Preheat oven to 350º and line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake liners. Prepare cupcake batter according to package directions.Step 2Scoop cupcake batter into liners and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 22 minutes. Let cool completely. Step 3In a large bowl using a hand mixer (or the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment), beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder gradually in batches and beat until combined, then add vanilla, heavy cream, and salt and beat until combined. (If you desire a thinner consistency, add 1 more tablespoon cream.)Step 4Fill a pastry bag fitted with a ½” round tip with frosting. Frost cupcakes, making 1 larger frosting dollop for the body and 1 smaller one on top for the face.Step 5Place 2 pretzels on the backside of the cupcake for the tail then arrange 4 candy corn pieces in front of them to finish the tail. Place another candy corn on the smaller dollop for the beak and 3 brown M&Ms on each side for the wings.Step 6Finish the turkey cupcake by placing 2 candy eyes above the beak.
What candy should I use? We used candy corn, M&Ms, pretzels and candy eyes to decorate these too-cute treats, but feel free to get creative with your candy! If you don’t have candy eyes, you can also use Reese’s Pieces or chocolate chips to complete your turkey. Do I have to make the cupcakes from scratch? Nope! While you totally can make your chocolate cupcakes from scratch, you don’t have to—we used box chocolate cake mix in this recipe to make things extra easy. These cupcakes are really all about the homemade chocolate frosting and adorable decoration, so feel free to use your favorite holiday cupcake as the base for these treats if you’re not feeling chocolate. Hungry for more? Check out our Thanksgiving turkey treats to add even more festive (and delicious) guests to your holiday table, or our favorite Thanksgiving cakes if you’re looking for something a bit bigger than cupcakes. Made these sweet poultry pals? Let us know how they came out in the comments below!
