Owl and Spider Cupcakes

 

1

box (1 lb 2.25 oz) Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® yellow cake mix (or other flavor)

Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix package

Black string licorice, cut into 2-inch pieces

2

containers Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy chocolate frosting

Black decorator sugar crystals

Large black gumdrops

Red cinnamon candies

Assorted candies

Chocolate wafer cookies

• 1 Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.
• 2 Mix and bake cake mix as directed on box for 24 cupcakes. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• 3 To make spiders, press 4 licorice pieces into each side of 12 of the cupcakes, letting about 1 1/2 inches hang over side of cupcake. Spread tops of cupcakes with chocolate frosting; sprinkle with black decorator sugar crystals. Slice black gumdrops in half for faces. Press red cinnamon candies in center for eyes.
• 4 To make owls, spread chocolate frosting on remaining 12 cupcakes. Use candies to form eyes, beaks and feet on each cupcake. Cut chocolate wafer cookies into quarters; place wafer pieces, triangle points up, behind eyes for ears. Cut wafer cookies into thirds for wings; place on cupcakes. Store loosely covered.