Dirt and Worms Cupcakes

 

1

cup water

1/2

cup unsweetened baking cocoa

1 2/3

cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

1 1/2

cups sugar

1

teaspoon baking soda

1/2

teaspoon baking powder

1/2

teaspoon salt

1/2

cup shortening

2

eggs

1

container (1 lb) Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy chocolate frosting

Chopped pecans, if desired

Assorted candy decorations, if desired

24

gummy worms candy

• 1 Heat oven to 400°F. Place paper baking cups in 24 regular-size muffin cups. In medium microwavable bowl, heat water on High 1 minute. Stir in cocoa with spoon until smooth. Cool 5 minutes.
• 2 With electric mixer, beat in remaining cupcake ingredients on low speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl frequently. Fill muffin cups half full.
• 3 Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• 4 Spread frosting on cupcakes. Sprinkle with pecans and candy decorations. Add gummy worms, gently pushing one end into cupcake.