Double Chocolate Chip Reindeer Muffins

These Double Chocolate Chip Reindeer Muffins are soft, rich, and perfectly festive with their adorable reindeer faces made from pretzels, candy eyes, and red M&Ms. They taste like warm chocolate cake but look like a Pinterest-worthy Christmas treat.

These adorable reindeer muffins are one of my go-to recipes for cozy baking days because they're simple but look so fun on a Christmas brunch table or dessert board. Plus, who doesn't love double chocolate?

You'll love these muffins because they're super soft, full of chocolate chips, and bake up beautifully every time. They're perfect for kids, parties, or even wrapping up as a sweet homemade gift for the holidays.

Things to Know Before Making Double Chocolate Chip Reindeer Muffins

• For bakery-style muffins, rest the batter for 15 minutes before baking because it helps them rise higher.
• Don't skip the initial 5 minutes at 425°F. That's the secret to those perfect muffin tops.
• Add a few extra chocolate chips on top before baking for that rich, chocolatey look.
• Decorate while muffins are still warm so the candy eyes and M&Ms stick easily.

I love these muffins because they turn an ordinary chocolate muffin into something festive and fun. They're cozy, chocolatey, and so easy to decorate that you'll want to make them every year.

If you love Christmas recipes that are cute and festive, you'll love these too: Green Christmas Man Fruit Kabobs, Christmas Rice Krispies, and Christmas Light Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Flour: The base for soft, fluffy muffins.
• Cocoa powder: Adds that deep, rich chocolate flavor.
• Sugars: The mix of brown and granulated sugar gives sweetness and moisture.
• Baking powder, baking soda and salt: To help with rising.
• Eggs and oil: Keep the texture soft and tender.
• Buttermilk and yogurt: The secret duo for rich, bakery-style muffins.
• Mini chocolate chips: Double the chocolate, double the fun.
• Pretzels, edible eyes, red M&Ms: For decorating your adorable reindeer faces.

Scroll to the recipe card for exact measurements.

How to Make Double Chocolate Chip Reindeer Muffins

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and oil until smooth. Add both sugars and mix until combined, then whisk in the yogurt and buttermilk.

Step 2: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the mini chocolate chips and let the batter rest for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a muffin pan with paper liners, leaving every other cup empty for better airflow. Fill each cup ¾ full and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.

Step 5: Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake another 12-15 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool for 5 minutes, then gently press pretzel antlers into the top. Add candy eyes and a red M&M nose while still warm so they stick.

Substitutions and Variations

• Use dark chocolate chips for an even richer flavor.
• Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste.
• Swap red M&Ms for peppermint candies for a holiday twist.
• Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-friendly version.

What to Serve with Double Chocolate Chip Reindeer Muffins

Pair these muffins with a mug of hot cocoa, a peppermint mocha, or a festive latte for the coziest Christmas morning breakfast. They also look adorable on a holiday dessert board or Christmas Charcuterie Board next to cookies and fudge.

Storage and Freezing

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the muffins a day ahead and add the decorations right before serving.

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini?

Definitely. Regular chocolate chips will work fine, though minis distribute more evenly in the batter.

How do I make the muffins extra soft?

Use room temperature ingredients and don't overmix the batter, just fold until combined.

Can I skip the decorations?

Absolutely. You'll still have delicious double chocolate muffins that are perfect year-round.

More Easy Christmas Recipes

• Santa's Cookie Bars
• Green Christmas Man Fruit Kabobs
• Christmas Tree Oreos
• Christmas Tree Cheese Platter
• Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Puff Pastry
• Easy Christmas Popcorn