Festive Turkey Cupcakes
These adorable Festive Turkey Cupcakes bring joy to your holiday gatherings with their fun design and delightful flavors! Inspired by a creative project I discovered in Family Fun magazine, these easy-to-make cupcakes turn into 24 charming turkey treats, perfect for festive celebrations with family and friends. My daughter and I love making these together, turning the kitchen into a whimsical turkey workshop. The combination of sweet cupcakes, creamy chocolate frosting, and colorful decorations is not only visually appealing but also a delicious treat that everyone will enjoy. Whether for Thanksgiving, a classroom party, or just for fun, these cupcakes are sure to become a cherished tradition!
24
Servings
200
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
cupcakes
24 (baked from your favorite mix, any flavor)
milk chocolate frosting
1 (16 ounce) can (store-bought or homemade)
oval shortbread cookies
72 (like 1 box of Keebler Sandies Right Bites shortbread)
candy corn
1 (11 ounce) bag (for tail feathers and beaks)
decorator's black icing
1 (2/3 ounce) package (store-bought)
decorator's white icing
1 (2/3 ounce) package (store-bought)
red fruit leather
1 (5 ounce) box (like Fruit by the Foot; you won't use all of it)
Instructions
1
Begin by baking your favorite cupcakes according to package directions. Allow them to cool completely.
2
Once the cupcakes are cooled, use a spatula or knife to generously frost the top of each cupcake with milk chocolate frosting.
3
Take one oval shortbread cookie and gently press it vertically into the center bottom of the frosted cupcake to create the turkey's head.
4
Next, take two more shortbread cookies and press them horizontally on either side of the cookie head to form the turkey's wings.
5
Create the turkey's tail feathers by firmly pressing a row or two of candy corn into the frosting above the cookie head.
6
For the turkey's eye, use a small dot of white decorator's icing on the cookie head to represent the eye, followed by a tiny dot of black icing on top of the white to complete it.
7
To make the beak, carefully cut the white tips off 24 pieces of candy corn and attach them to the side of each cookie head.
8
Next, create the wattle by cutting a 1-inch square of fruit leather. Roll it into a small tube or cone shape and attach it over the beak.
9
Repeat these steps for each of the 24 cupcakes, then step back and admire your adorable, edible turkey creations!
Nutrition Information
10.4g
Fat
25g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Festive Turkey Cupcakes?
Festive Turkey Cupcakes are adorable edible treats decorated to look like turkeys, perfect for holiday gatherings.
How many cupcakes does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 24 turkey cupcakes.
What is the calorie count per cupcake?
Each turkey cupcake contains approximately 200 calories.
What type of frosting is used for these cupcakes?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of milk chocolate frosting.
What kind of cookies are used for the turkey body parts?
Oval shortbread cookies, such as Keebler Sandies Right Bites, are used for the head and wings.
How many cookies are needed for each individual cupcake?
Each cupcake requires three cookies: one for the head and two for the wings.
What serves as the turkey's tail feathers?
Candy corn pieces are pressed into the frosting to create the tail feathers.
How do you make the turkey's beak?
The beak is made by cutting the white tips off of candy corn pieces.
What ingredient is used to create the turkey's wattle?
Red fruit leather, like Fruit by the Foot, is used to make the wattle.
How are the turkey's eyes created?
The eyes are made using a small dot of white decorator's icing followed by a tiny dot of black icing.
Do the cupcakes need to be cooled before decorating?
Yes, the cupcakes must be allowed to cool completely before applying the frosting and decorations.
How is the turkey's head positioned on the cupcake?
One oval cookie is pressed vertically into the center bottom of the frosted cupcake.
Where do the wings go on the turkey cupcake?
Two cookies are pressed horizontally on either side of the cookie used for the head.
What size should the fruit leather be for the wattle?
The fruit leather should be cut into 1-inch squares before being rolled into shape.
How do you shape the wattle?
Roll the 1-inch square of fruit leather into a small tube or cone shape and attach it over the beak.
Can I use any flavor of cupcake mix?
Yes, you can use any flavor of cupcake mix as the base for these treats.
Is this a good recipe for kids?
Yes, this is a fun and creative project that kids enjoy helping with.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a creative project found in Family Fun magazine.
How much fat is in one turkey cupcake?
Each cupcake contains approximately 10.4g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 25g of carbohydrates in each turkey cupcake.
How much protein is in one cupcake?
Each cupcake provides 2.5g of protein.
What colors of icing are needed?
You will need both black and white decorator's icing for the eyes.
Can I use homemade chocolate frosting?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade milk chocolate frosting.
How many shortbread cookies are needed in total?
You will need a total of 72 oval shortbread cookies for 24 cupcakes.
Are these cupcakes appropriate for Thanksgiving?
Yes, they are specifically designed as a festive treat for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Can these be served at a classroom party?
Absolutely, these adorable cupcakes are perfect for classroom parties or school events.
How do I attach the beak to the turkey?
Attach the cut white tip of a candy corn to the side of the cookie head.
How many bags of candy corn are needed?
One 11-ounce bag of candy corn is sufficient for the feathers and beaks.
What brand of shortbread cookies is suggested?
Keebler Sandies Right Bites are suggested as the oval shortbread cookies.
How do you secure the tail feathers?
Firmly press a row or two of candy corn into the frosting above the turkey's head.