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Turkey Cupcakes

Delightful, whimsical Turkey Cupcakes that are perfect for Thanksgiving and festive celebrations, featuring rich chocolate flavor and fun decorations.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert, Party Treat, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Cupcakes
  • 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour 156 g
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 96 g (non-alkalized)
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (or coffee powder)
  • 1 cup boiling water 240 mL
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt room temperature (120 g)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature (226 g or 2 sticks)
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 300 g
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature (226 g or 2 sticks)
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar sifted (240 g)
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 48 g
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk room temperature
For Decoration
  • ½ cup Reese’s Pieces
  • 20 mini Reese’s cups
  • 40 candy eyes
  • 10 red gummy worms (cut in half)

Method
 

Make the Chocolate Cupcakes
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and espresso powder.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the boiling water, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream mix.
  6. Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full, and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let them cool completely.
Prepare the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy.
  2. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach your desired consistency.
  3. Whip until fluffy and smooth.
Decorate the Cupcakes
  1. Generously frost each cooled cupcake with the chocolate buttercream, creating a nice mound on top.
  2. Begin decorating by placing mini Reese’s cups upside down as the turkey’s body.
  3. Top with Reese’s Pieces for feathers, using candy eyes to bring the turkey to life.
  4. Finally, add the gummy worms as fun “gobblers” hanging from each turkey’s beak.

Notes

For an extra chocolate kick, try adding chocolate chips to the cupcake batter. If you're in a pinch, store-bought frosting works beautifully, too! Get creative with the decorations—use your favorite candies or theme them for different holidays.