Name: Turkey Cupcakes For Thanksgiving
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup chocolate frosting; 36 candy eyes; 12 round chocolate candies (for turkey heads); Red and orange candy-coated chocolates (for beaks and wattles); Candy corn (for feathers)

Hey y’all! If you’re searching for the cutest and most delicious treat to spice up your Thanksgiving dessert table, look no further than these Turkey Cupcakes For Thanksgiving. With their soft vanilla cupcakes, rich chocolate frosting, and adorable turkey decorations, these cupcakes are just as fun to make as they are to eat. They’re a hit at family gatherings, Friendsgiving parties, and even as a post-dinner surprise for kids. Ready to create some edible holiday joy? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Cupcakes For Thanksgiving Recipe

Super easy and beginner-friendly, even for little hands.
Perfectly moist, fluffy cupcakes with a luscious chocolate frosting.
Customizable decorations for endless, creative turkey faces.
They double as delicious desserts and a festive centerpiece.
Great make-ahead option for hassle-free holiday prep.

Ingredients for Turkey Cupcakes For Thanksgiving

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 can (16 oz) chocolate frosting, or homemade
24 candy eyes
12 orange mini M&Ms (for beaks)
12 mini peanut butter cups (for the turkey bodies)
36-48 candy corn pieces (turkey tail feathers)
Red gel icing (wattles)
Optional: chocolate sprinkles for extra texture

Directions: How to Make Turkey Cupcakes For Thanksgiving

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with festive cupcake liners.

Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, until smooth and creamy. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners—filling each about 2/3 full.

Step 3: Bake Cupcakes

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Decorate Your Turkey Cupcakes For Thanksgiving

Once cooled, spread a generous layer of chocolate frosting on each cupcake. Place a mini peanut butter cup upright on the lower half of each cupcake to form the turkey’s body. Attach candy eyes above the peanut butter cup, and use a mini orange M&M for the beak. Pipe a small line of red gel icing next to the beak for the turkey’s wattle. Insert 3-4 candy corns into the frosting around the top edge as tail feathers. For added texture, sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles if desired.

Notes: Turkey Cupcakes For Thanksgiving Baking Tips

Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding decorations.
For homemade buttercream, check out this chocolate frosting recipe.
If you’re short on time, boxed cake mix works beautifully and saves time.

Variations: Creative Turkey Cupcakes For Thanksgiving

Chocolate Cupcake Base: Swap vanilla for chocolate cake for deeper flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Mini Turkey Cupcakes: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats; adjust bake time to 10-12 minutes.

Required Equipment for Turkey Cupcakes For Thanksgiving

12-cup muffin tin
Paper cupcake liners
Large mixing bowl
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Wire cooling rack
Spatula or offset spatula

Storage Instructions for Turkey Cupcakes For Thanksgiving

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cupcakes for up to 2 months and decorate after thawing.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve Turkey Cupcakes For Thanksgiving with a warm mug of apple cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They pair perfectly with classic pie, and make adorable additions to a Thanksgiving dessert buffet.

Pro Tips for Perfect Turkey Cupcakes For Thanksgiving

Use a small offset spatula for smooth, even frosting application.
Assemble decorations just before serving for the freshest look.
For decorating inspiration, check out this cupcake guide.

FAQs: Turkey Cupcakes For Thanksgiving

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?: Yes! Bake cupcakes up to 2 days in advance and decorate on Thanksgiving morning.
What if I can’t find candy eyes or mini peanut butter cups?: You can pipe eyes with white and black icing, and use chocolate disks or buttons for the turkey body.
Can I use different flavors for the cupcakes?: Absolutely! Spice cake or pumpkin cupcakes add a delightful seasonal twist.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes