Reese’s Owls Cupcake Toppers Recipe

If you’ve ever searched for the perfect way to give your cupcakes that extra “wow” factor, I think you’re really going to love what I’m about to share. This Reese’s Owls Cupcake Toppers Recipe is an absolute game changer—it’s fun, easy, and seriously adorable. When I first made these, my family went crazy over them, and honestly, the process is just as delightful as the final result. So pull up a chair, because I’m spilling all my tips on how to nail these charming little owl toppers that bring a festive flair to any cupcake.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Reese’s Owls Cupcake Toppers Recipe, I like to keep the ingredients simple but effective. Using a chocolate cake mix as the base keeps things quick, while the combination of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Oreos creates the signature owl look that’s just irresistible.

• Chocolate cake mix: Choose your favorite boxed mix for ease—any chocolate cake mix works great here.
• Chocolate frosting: I prefer a rich, creamy type to hold the sprinkles and toppers well.
• Sprinkles: Pick festive colors or classic shapes; it adds fun texture and sparkle.
• Reese’s peanut butter cups: These are the owl’s body—small or regular size both work, but I like the classic size.
• Mini Oreo cookies: Use the ones with classic cream centers; they become the wings.
• Edible candy eyeballs: These add instant personality—grab some with a good size for clear owl eyes.
• Orange chocolate covered sunflower seeds or mini candy corn: These serve as the owl’s beak—you can pick whichever you prefer or have on hand.
• Chocolate melting wafers: These act as edible “glue” helping everything hold together beautifully.
• Short lollipop sticks: Essential for giving each Reese’s cup a stable handle to place atop your cupcakes.

Variations

The beauty of my Reese’s Owls Cupcake Toppers Recipe is how easy it is to make your own tweaks. Whether you want to switch up colors for a birthday or make a nut-free version, there’s plenty of room for creativity here.

• Nut-Free Variation: I once swapped the Reese’s cups for nut-free chocolate caramel candies to accommodate a friend’s allergy, and they turned out just as cute!
• Festive Colors: Try using colored candy melts instead of plain chocolate to match holiday themes or party color schemes.
• Mini Cupcakes: For a bite-sized version, bake mini cupcakes and use mini Reese’s cups if you can find them to keep proportions just right.
• Marshmallow Owls: Swap Oreo wings with marshmallow slices for a softer, fluffier look that kids rave about.

How to Make Reese’s Owls Cupcake Toppers Recipe

Step 1: Bake and Prepare Your Cupcakes

Follow the directions on your chocolate cake mix box and bake the cupcakes. When they’re done, let them cool completely before you move on—that frosting sticks best and prevents a melty mess. After cooling, slather on a generous layer of chocolate frosting and add sprinkles for that extra sparkle. I always find it easier to frost with a butter knife or small offset spatula for smooth coverage.

Step 2: Prepare Your Owls’ Bodies

Place the chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 20-30 seconds, stirring until smooth and creamy. This melted chocolate is your secret adhesive. Use a sharp knife to cut a small slit into the side of each Reese’s peanut butter cup—that’s where you’ll insert the lollipop stick next. Dip one end of each stick into the melted chocolate and carefully push it into the slit you made, going straight in to avoid breaking the peanut butter cup. Patience here is key—I’ve learned the hard way that rushing causes breakage!

Step 3: Make the Owl Wings and Eyes

Twist apart the Oreo cookies, using the halves with frosting. Dab a little melted chocolate on the back of each candy eyeball with a toothpick and gently place the eyes on the frosted Oreo halves. You’ll then attach these cookie wings to the top of the Reese’s cups with a bit more melted chocolate—think of it like giving your owl its expressive gaze.

Step 4: Add the Beak and Finish

Finally, use a dab of melted chocolate to stick an orange chocolate-covered sunflower seed or candy corn just below the eyes—this is the owl’s beak. Let everything set for at least 10 minutes so it becomes firm before you gently place each owl topper on your frosted cupcakes. One last tip: keep the assembled toppers refrigerated if you’re making them ahead to prevent any melting or messy moments.

How to Serve Reese’s Owls Cupcake Toppers Recipe

Garnishes

I love pairing these owl toppers with a handful of coordinating sprinkles or edible glitter around the base for a little shimmer and extra charm. Sometimes I toss a few autumn-themed sugar leaves or candy pumpkins next to the cupcakes for a full seasonal vibe—it’s simple but makes the presentation pop.

Side Dishes

When serving these cupcakes at a fall party, I often pair them with warm drinks like spiced cider or hot chocolate. A cozy drink and these owls? Instant crowd-pleaser. For something savory to balance the sweetness, some spiced nuts or cheese platters work surprisingly well, letting your dessert stand out.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite tricks is to stick each owl-topped cupcake into a mini pumpkin or gourd centerpiece for extra festivity. I’ve also arranged them in tiered cupcake stands surrounded by fall leaves or fairy lights—makes for stunning party decor. You can even place little name tags on the sticks to personalize each one for guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (which happens less often than you’d think!), store the cupcakes with toppers in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the frosting fresh and the chocolate firm. Just be mindful of condensation when you pull them out—serving them at room temperature helps the frosting taste its best.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cupcakes before without the owl toppers, then decorated them after thawing for best results. The candy and chocolate don’t always survive freezing well, so if you want to prep totally ahead, it’s safer to freeze plain cupcakes and add the toppers fresh.

Reheating

Because these are cold desserts, I typically let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving. That way the frosting softens up nicely without melting. Resist the urge to microwave, or you’ll risk melting all that cute owl detail!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Reese’s Owls Cupcake Toppers Recipe enough—it’s become a staple for our seasonal baking and such a joy to share with friends and family. There’s something so rewarding about assembling these little owl friends and seeing smiles light up the room when they appear on the dessert table. If you’re looking for a fuss-free way to elevate your cupcakes and impress without stressing, trust me, this recipe is just what you need. Give it a try and watch your cupcakes go from everyday to unforgettable!

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