How to Make Reindeer Whipped Cream Hot Cocoa Toppers
These reindeer whipped cream toppers are a fun way to celebrate hot cocoa season. They are simple to make and add a delicious touch to any warm and cozy holiday drink. Watching them melt into a warm drink is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
A whipped cream reindeer is just what any hot cup of cocoa needs to turn it into a magical treat. See how easy it is to make these cuties, and you can even get the kids involved to decorate them.
Whipped Cream Reindeer Hot Cocoa Toppings
Since the unicorn hot chocolate with its melting marshmallow topper was such a hit, this idea takes that fun to a holiday level. These reindeer whipped cream toppers are all about the creamy sweetness. They cool down hot cocoa while bringing an adorable twist to your favorite winter drink.
Make them for Christmas movie nights, holiday hot cocoa bars, or any time you want to add some jolly sweetness to your mug.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
Just simple ingredients
Directions
Get your freezer space ready: Clear a flat area in your freezer where a cutting board or baking sheet can lay flat.
Line with parchment paper: Place parchment paper on the cutting board or baking sheet.
Optional template: For a perfect fit, trace the shape of your mug onto the parchment paper, leaving about 1″ between each outline. This helps size the reindeer toppers to fit your mug. Set the mug aside and place the parchment paper on your work surface.
Fill the pastry bag: Add whipped topping to a large pastry bag and cut a 1/2″ opening at the tip with scissors.
Pipe the head and snout: Pipe a large circle to fill about 2/3 of the template for the head. Then pipe a smaller circle in the bottom third for the snout or nose area.
Layer for thickness: Pipe another large and small circle on top of the first layer to make the reindeer thicker.
Add decorations: Place two pretzel twists for antlers, candy eyes on the snout, and a red M&M for the nose. Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles for extra cuteness.
Repeat and freeze: Continue until all templates are filled. Freeze for at least four hours or overnight.
Use the toppers: Make hot cocoa. Remove the reindeer from the parchment paper carefully, using your hands or a spatula.
Serve immediately: Place a topper on the hot cocoa and enjoy watching it melt into creamy goodness.
Safety first: Remove any larger pieces that didn’t fully melt before drinking.
Relevant Recipes
If you’re ready for all the cozy drinks this winter, here are some recipes to make. Try extra creamy homemade hot chocolate for the ultimate classic, red velvet hot cocoa for a colorful twist, or copycat salted caramel mocha for a coffeehouse favorite. For something whimsical, fairy flower moon milk is a dreamy option to sip on.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Swap the toppings: Use chocolate chips for the eyes or a different chocolate candy for the nose.
- Try different sprinkles: Pick sprinkles to match your holiday theme.
- Change the antlers: Pretzel sticks could possibly work if you don’t have twists.
- Adjust the size: Create smaller or larger toppers to fit different mugs.
Tools you’ll need
Here are some kitchen tools you’ll need for this recipe.
Storage
Store the reindeer toppers in the freezer. Keep them on the parchment paper or in an airtight container. Make sure they stay flat to keep their shape. Use them within a week for the best results.
Tips & Tricks
- Keep cold: Work fast to prevent softening.
- Refrigerate as needed: Chill whipped topping if it melts.
- Pipe slowly: Helps make cleaner shapes.
- Freeze flat: Keep the baking sheet level.
- Use a spatula: Remove toppers carefully.
Recipe Notes & FAQ
How long do they last?
Store in the freezer and use within a week for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use other toppings?
Yes, customize with different candies or sprinkles to match your theme.
What if they stick to the paper?
Let them sit for a minute at room temperature or gently peel them off with a spatula.
Do they work for coffee?
Absolutely! They add the same creamy deliciousness to coffee or lattes.
Reindeer Whipped Cream Hot Cocoa Toppers
Equipment
- Parchment Paper
- Scissors
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Ingredients
- 8 oz whipped topping 1 tub, thawed
- pretzel twists
- red M&M Candies
- candy eyes
- holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Clear space in freezer for cutting board or baking sheet to lay flat. Line cutting board or baking sheet with parchment paper. Optionally, trace mug shape onto parchment paper, leaving 1″ apart, to ensure reindeer fit mugs. Set mug aside and place parchment paper on cutting board or baking sheet.
- Place whipped topping into large pastry bag and cut 1/2″ opening with scissors. Pipe large circle to fill about 2/3 of template for head. Pipe smaller circle in bottom third of template for snout or nose. Repeat, adding large and small circles on top to make reindeer thicker.8 oz whipped topping
- Add pretzel twists for antlers, candy eyes on snout, and red M&M for nose. Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles. Repeat until templates are full. Freeze for 4 hours or overnight.pretzel twists, red M&M Candies, candy eyes, holiday sprinkles
- To use, make hot cocoa and remove reindeer from freezer. Peel from parchment paper or lift with spatula. Place reindeer on hot cocoa and allow to melt slightly. Remove any larger pieces that haven’t fully melted before drinking for safety. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Work quickly to keep whipped topping cold.
- Chill unused topping if it starts to melt.
- Freeze toppers flat to maintain shape.
- Use within one week for best results.
- Adjust size to fit different mugs.
Nutrition
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Cozy Drinks
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