Adorable Hedgehog Chocolate Cupcakes

Featured in: Snack Fun

These chocolate cupcakes feature a moist cocoa batter enhanced with vanilla and perfectly balanced leavening agents. After baking, they're topped with creamy chocolate frosting made buttery and smooth with powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Each cupcake is dipped in chocolate sprinkles to mimic hedgehog spikes, with chocolate chip noses and candy eyes adding a playful touch. The cupcakes are arranged on a tiered stand, creating a delightful tower that makes an eye-catching centerpiece for children’s parties or whimsical events. The combination of textures and decoration brings fun and flavor together in every bite.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 11:14:00 GMT
Fluffy hedgehog cupcake tower, decorated with chocolate sprinkles, awaiting a fun kids party or celebration. Save
Fluffy hedgehog cupcake tower, decorated with chocolate sprinkles, awaiting a fun kids party or celebration. | grinnosh.com

Adorable chocolate cupcakes decorated as hedgehogs, perfect for childrens parties or whimsical gatherings.

I have made these hedgehog cupcakes several times and each time they impress guests with both their look and taste

Ingredients

  • Cupcakes: 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk, 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 cup (120 ml) boiling water
  • Chocolate Frosting: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter softened, 1 1/2 cups (190 g) powdered sugar, 1/4 cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 3 tbsp (30 45 ml) milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Decoration: 1 cup (150 g) chocolate sprinkles, 24 chocolate chips (for noses), 24 candy eyes (store-bought or homemade with icing), 12 cupcake liners

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3:
Add milk, oil, egg, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 4:
Gradually pour in boiling water, mixing gently until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).
Step 5:
Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Step 6:
Bake for 18 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 7:
For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder gradually, mixing well.
Step 8:
Add milk and vanilla, then beat until smooth and fluffy.
Step 9:
To decorate, frost each cupcake generously.
Step 10:
Dip the frosted cupcakes into chocolate sprinkles, covering the top and sides to resemble hedgehog spikes.
Step 11:
Place a chocolate chip at one end of each cupcake for the nose.
Step 12:
Attach two candy eyes above the nose.
Step 13:
Arrange cupcakes on a tiered stand to form a tower.
A delicious hedgehog cupcake tower with charming chocolate chip noses, ready to eat and enjoy. Save
A delicious hedgehog cupcake tower with charming chocolate chip noses, ready to eat and enjoy. | grinnosh.com

My kids love helping decorate these cupcakes and enjoy sharing them with their friends

Notes

Use different colored sprinkles or fondant for creative variations. Pair with milk or hot chocolate for a perfect treat.

Required Tools

Muffin pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups and spoons, spatula, wire rack

Allergen Information

Check decorations for possible nut or soy traces if allergies are a concern.

Visualize a sweet hedgehog cupcake tower, featuring candy eyes and a decadent chocolate frosting. Save
Visualize a sweet hedgehog cupcake tower, featuring candy eyes and a decadent chocolate frosting. | grinnosh.com

These cupcakes are sure to be the star of your next party with their cute look and delicious flavor.

Recipe FAQ

What type of flour is best for these cupcakes?

All-purpose flour provides a balanced texture and crumb, perfect for tender yet sturdy cupcakes.

How can I ensure the cupcakes stay moist?

Incorporating boiling water into the batter helps dissolve cocoa powder and enhances moisture, resulting in soft cupcakes.

What is the purpose of chocolate sprinkles on the cupcakes?

The sprinkles mimic the appearance of hedgehog spikes, adding both texture and visual appeal.

Can the frosting be made ahead of time?

Yes, chocolate frosting can be prepared in advance and stored refrigerated; bring it to room temperature before use for easy spreading.

Are there alternatives for decorating eyes and noses?

Candy eyes can be substituted with icing or small edible pearls, and chocolate chips can be replaced with raisins or nuts if preferred.

Adorable Hedgehog Chocolate Cupcakes

Whimsical chocolate cupcakes with hedgehog decoration, ideal for kids' parties and special occasions.

Prep duration
40 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Hannah Lewis

Type Snack Fun

Skill level Medium

Heritage International

Output 12 Portions

Dietary guidelines Meat-free

Components

Cupcakes

01 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
03 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25 g)
04 1 teaspoon baking powder
05 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 1/2 cup milk (120 ml)
08 1/3 cup vegetable oil (80 ml)
09 1 large egg
10 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 1/2 cup boiling water (120 ml)

Chocolate Frosting

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (115 g)
02 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (190 g)
03 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25 g)
04 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (30 to 45 ml)
05 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decoration

01 1 cup chocolate sprinkles (150 g)
02 24 chocolate chips for noses
03 24 candy eyes
04 12 cupcake liners

Directions

Stage 01

Prepare Oven and Liners: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.

Stage 02

Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.

Stage 03

Combine Wet Ingredients: Add milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Stage 04

Incorporate Boiling Water: Gradually stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth and thin.

Stage 05

Fill Liners and Bake: Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about two-thirds full, then bake for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Stage 06

Prepare Frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well.

Stage 07

Finish Frosting: Add milk and vanilla extract to the frosting mixture, then beat until smooth and fluffy.

Stage 08

Decorate Cupcakes: Frost each cupcake generously with chocolate frosting.

Stage 09

Add Sprinkles: Dip frosted cupcakes into chocolate sprinkles, covering top and sides to resemble hedgehog spikes.

Stage 10

Add Facial Features: Place one chocolate chip at the front edge for the nose and attach two candy eyes above it.

Stage 11

Assemble Tower: Arrange decorated cupcakes on a tiered stand to create the hedgehog tower.

Necessary tools

  • Muffin pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Wire rack

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and possibly soy in some chocolate products.
  • Check decorations for traces of nuts or soy if allergies are a concern.

Nutrient content (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional nutritional advice.
  • Energy: 245
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 2 g