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Turkey Cupcakes

Make your holidays magical with these adorable Turkey Cupcakes! Easy to bake, fun to decorate, and perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations. Try them now!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Holiday-Inspired
Servings 12 cupcakes
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk or a dairy-free alternative
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Food coloring: brown orange, and red

For the Turkey Decorations:

  • Candy eyes or mini chocolate chips for DIY eyes
  • Candy corn for the turkey feathers
  • Pretzel sticks for legs or as edible accents
  • Mini marshmallows optional, for extra decoration
  • Edible gel pens for adding fun details

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes

  • Prepare a muffin tray with cupcake liners and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large bowl, blend the sugar and butter until they are creamy and light.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well each time. Add the vanilla extract and stir.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture gradually, switching between them and the milk, until the batter is smooth.
  • Fill the cupcake liners almost two-thirds of the way to the top with the batter.
  • Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or after 18 to 20 minutes of baking. Before decorating, allow the cupcakes to cool fully.

Step 2: Make the Frosting

  • In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid mess.
  • Add two tablespoons of milk and the vanilla extract. Mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, adjusting the milk as needed for consistency.
  • Divide the frosting into three bowls: color one brown, one orange, and one red using food coloring. Leave some white frosting if desired for extra details.

Step 3: Decorate the Cupcakes

  • Spread or pipe a layer of brown frosting on each cupcake to create the base for your turkey.
  • Add the candy corn feathers by pressing them gently into the frosting in a fan shape at the top of the cupcake.
  • Use candy eyes or mini chocolate chips for the turkey’s eyes, attaching them with a small dab of frosting.
  • Pipe a small dot of orange frosting for the beak and red frosting for the wattle (that little flap under the beak).
  • Optional: Add pretzel sticks or chocolate sprinkles as accents for turkey legs or extra details.

Step 4: Final Touches

  • Double-check each cupcake to ensure the decorations are secure.
  • Place your completed turkey cupcakes on a festive platter for a picture-perfect presentation.

Notes

Pro Tips for Perfect Turkey Cupcakes

  • Chill Your Frosting: If your frosting becomes too soft while decorating, pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm it up. This makes it easier to pipe precise details.
  • Use a Turntable: When adding candy corn or other decorations, place the cupcake on a small turntable to spin it smoothly and evenly as you work.
  • Prevent Cupcake Wrappers from Peeling: Let your cupcakes cool completely before decorating, as residual heat can cause the liners to separate.
  • Keep Decorations in Place: Use a small dot of frosting as "glue" to secure candy eyes, beaks, and feathers firmly on the cupcake surface.
  • Work in Batches: Decorate in small batches so the frosting doesn’t dry out before you finish adding the decorations.
 

Creative Variations to Try

  1. Flavored Cupcake Base:
    • Swap the classic vanilla or chocolate base for spiced pumpkin, gingerbread, or caramel flavors to match the festive season.
  2. Frosting Alternatives:
    • Experiment with cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist or use colored whipped cream for a lighter option.
  3. Gluten-Free Option:
    • Use a gluten-free cupcake mix or almond flour-based recipe for a gluten-free version that tastes just as delicious.
  4. Unique Decorations:
    • Use edible glitter or metallic sprinkles to give the turkey feathers a sparkling finish. You can also mold turkey shapes from fondant for a more advanced design.
  5. Mini Turkey Cupcakes:
    • Create bite-sized versions using a mini muffin tin for adorable, poppable treats perfect for kids and party trays.
  6. Dietary-Friendly Substitutions:
    • Replace butter with vegan alternatives like coconut oil and use plant-based milk to make these cupcakes vegan-friendly.
 

Save Time with Pre-Made Options

Short on time? Use store-bought cupcakes as a base and focus on decorating! This shortcut is especially helpful for large gatherings or last-minute prep.
Keyword holiday cupcake, Thanksgiving desserts, Turkey cupcakes