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Turkey Cupcakes Recipe

These adorable **Turkey Cupcakes** are the perfect **Thanksgiving dessert**, combining **moist cupcakes, creamy frosting, and fun candy decorations** to create a festive treat. They’re **easy to make, kid-friendly, and guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday gathering**!
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Equipment

  • - Muffin tin
  • - Cupcake liners
  • - Hand or stand mixer
  • - Piping bag & tips (for frosting)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowls

Ingredients
  

  • #### **For the Cupcakes** Makes 12
  • - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder if making chocolate cupcakes
  • - 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • - 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • - 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • - 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • - 2 eggs
  • - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • - 3/4 cup milk
  • - 1/4 cup sour cream for extra moisture
  • #### **For the Buttercream Frosting**
  • - 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • - 3 cups powdered sugar
  • - 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder for a brown turkey color
  • #### **For Decorating**
  • - Candy eyes
  • - Candy corn for feathers and beak
  • - Mini peanut butter cups for the turkey’s head
  • - Red M&Ms or red icing for the wattle

Instructions
 

  • #### **Step 1: Bake the Cupcakes**
  • Preheat oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Line a **muffin tin with cupcake liners**.
  • In a bowl, whisk together **flour, cocoa powder (if using), baking powder, baking soda, and salt**.
  • In another bowl, beat **butter and sugars** until fluffy. Add **eggs and vanilla**, mixing until smooth.
  • Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with **milk and sour cream**, until fully combined.
  • Fill cupcake liners **3/4 full** and bake for **18-20 minutes**. Let cool completely.
  • #### **Step 2: Make the Buttercream Frosting**
  • Beat **butter** until creamy. Slowly add **powdered sugar**, one cup at a time.
  • Mix in **vanilla, heavy cream, and cocoa powder**, beating until fluffy.
  • #### **Step 3: Decorate the Turkey Cupcakes**
  • **Frost each cupcake** with brown buttercream using a piping bag.
  • **Attach a peanut butter cup** on top as the turkey’s head.
  • **Stick candy corn** into the frosting at the back to form turkey feathers.
  • **Add candy eyes** to the peanut butter cup.
  • **Use an M&M or red icing** for the turkey’s wattle.
  • **Cut the tip off a candy corn** and attach it as the beak.