Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tray with cupcake liners.

Make the cupcake batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, then mix in the hot water. Stir until smooth.

Bake the cupcakes:
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool completely.

Make the frosting:
Beat the butter until creamy. Sift in the icing sugar and cocoa powder, then add vanilla and milk a little at a time until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Decorate as reindeer:
Spread or pipe chocolate frosting onto each cupcake. Press in two pretzels at the top for antlers, add candy eyes, and place a red chocolate or jelly tot for the nose.

Serve and enjoy:
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container. Great for gifting or holiday party tables!

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