Red Velvet Holiday Elf Cupcakes

Steps

• 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

  In large bowl, beat cupcake ingredients with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about two-thirds full).
• 3

  Bake and cool completely as directed on box for cupcakes.
• 4

  Frost cupcakes with frosting, reserving 1 tablespoon frosting. Place one apricot half on each side of cupcakes for ears. Cut each fruit snack into 4 triangles. Place 1 triangle on top of each cupcake, folding pointed end over to form hat. Attach 1 gumdrop half to pointed end of each hat using reserved frosting. Use remaining gumdrop halves for nose, and chocolate chips for eyes. Pipe mouth with red decorator frosting. Store loosely covered.