Prepare the Cupcakes

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Fill the Cupcake Liners: Pour the batter into the lined cupcake pan, filling each liner about two-thirds full.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frost the Cupcakes

1. Prepare the Frosting: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost each cupcake generously with the vanilla buttercream frosting using a spatula or piping bag.

Assemble the Reindeer Faces

1. Create the Antlers: Gently break each pretzel twist in half and place one half on each side of the frosted cupcake, pressing them slightly into the frosting.
2. Add Candy Eyes: Place two candy eyes on each cupcake, pressing them into the frosting to secure.
3. Add the Nose: Place a red M&M in the center of the cupcake to create the reindeer’s nose.