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Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey, stuffing, and a marathon of side dishes—it’s about those MOMENTS in the kitchen when flour dusts the counters, kids lick frosting off spoons, and giggles fill the air.

Here’s a truth many don’t talk about: the desserts that get the biggest smiles aren’t the fancy ones; they’re the ones made with laughter, sprinkles, and little helping hands.

That’s why these turkey cupcakes are a favorite in our home. They’re fun, easy to make, and the perfect excuse to invite your mini sous chefs to help.

These turkey cupcakes are our go-to when we want something that’s both simple and memorable.

With just a few ingredients and a whole lot of imagination, you’ll have cupcakes that look like they’ve strutted straight off the farm and onto your dessert table.

Plus, these are customizable enough that even your pickiest eater will be impressed (as long as they get to pick the candy).

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Chocolate Cupcakes: Bake them from scratch or grab a store-bought mix if the day’s to-do list is looking a bit too ambitious (we’ve all been there).
Chocolate Frosting: Rich and spreadable, perfect for making the “feathers” stick.
Decorations:
- Mini Reese’s cups (for the turkey head)
- Reese’s Pieces, M&M’s, or candy corn (feathers)
- Candy eyes (because turkeys with personality are a must)
- Gummy worms (optional, for some extra fun)

How to Make Turkey Cupcakes:

Step 1: Bake the Cupcakes

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cupcake tray with festive liners (bonus points for autumn-themed ones).
Mix and bake the batter as directed. Spoon it into the liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let them cool completely. Frosting warm cupcakes is a shortcut to a melted mess, and we want those turkeys standing proud.

Time-Saving Hack: Bake the cupcakes the night before when the kids are in bed and frost them together the next day for a no-stress decorating session.

Step 2: Frost and Decorate

Spread or pipe a generous layer of chocolate frosting onto each cupcake.
Pro tip: If the frosting is too thick to spread, add a teaspoon of milk and give it a quick whip. Smooth frosting = happy decorating.
Add the mini Reese’s cup as the turkey’s head at the front of the cupcake.
Press the candy feathers (Reese’s Pieces, candy corn, or M&M’s) into the frosting behind the head. Let the kids be creative—they’ll probably make rainbow turkeys that don’t quite match reality, but hey, these turkeys are all about fun!
Finish with candy eyes. Stick them on the Reese’s cup to give the turkey its wide-eyed look. You can even draw a smile with some frosting or add a small candy for a beak if you’re feeling fancy.

Customization Tips:

Nut-Free Alternative: Swap the Reese’s cups for mini Oreo cookies.
Mix Up the Colors: Let the kids choose from different candies or add pretzel sticks for more “feathery” effects.
Add Some Flair: Use edible glitter for turkeys that sparkle brighter than your Thanksgiving table centerpiece.

Making It Kid-Friendly:

Decorating cupcakes is the PERFECT excuse to get your kids involved.

Sure, there might be a candy or two that gets “taste-tested” (who’s counting?), but that’s half the fun.

Have your little ones take charge of creating their own turkey designs—it’s a great way to let their creativity shine.

Just be prepared for a few wild-looking turkeys that might get their own special story at dinner.

Real Mom Tip:

If time is tight (because someone suddenly remembered they need a last-minute “Thanksgiving costume”), don’t hesitate to use store-bought cupcakes and focus on the decorating part.

It’s all about making memories, not perfecting a showstopper.

Recipe FAQ:

Can these cupcakes be frozen? Yes, bake them ahead and freeze them without frosting. Thaw at room temperature when ready, and then decorate for the freshest look.

How do we keep cupcakes moist? A spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt in the batter does wonders for the texture, keeping your cupcakes soft and moist for days.

Join Our Thanksgiving Fun! Have a blast making these turkey cupcakes with your family this holiday season.

We’d love to hear how your creations turned out! Leave a comment below, share your funniest decorating stories, and don’t forget to FOLLOW us on Pinterest for more kid-approved recipes and tips that make life just a bit sweeter.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of love, laughter, and cupcakes!