Follow these simple steps to create your Easy Reindeer Cupcakes:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.

4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.

5. Add Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water to the batter. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.

6. Fill Cupcake Liners: Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

7. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Add the milk until you reach your desired consistency.

10. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the buttercream frosting.

11. Decorate: Place two mini pretzels on top of each cupcake for antlers. Add a red M&M for the nose and two candy eyes to create the adorable reindeer faces.