FATHER'S DAY TEE-TIME CUPCAKES

Father's Day Tee-Time Cupcakes image

Yield makes 24

Number Of Ingredients 5

24 Yellow Buttermilk Cupcakes (page 26) or One-Bowl Chocolate Cupcakes (page 152)
Swiss Meringue Buttercream (page 304)
1 to 2 cups green sanding sugar
18 round white candies, such as candy-coated mint balls (see Sources, page 342)
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (3 to 4 sheets finely ground in a food processor)

Steps:

Using an offset spatula, spread each cupcake with a smooth layer of buttercream. Pour green sanding sugar into a small bowl. Dip tops of frosted cupcakes in the sugar, then sprinkle more on top to coat completely.
To create putting greens, make flags (you will need 18): Cut out lengths (3 to 4 inches) from white grosgrain ribbon. Fold each length around one end of a wooden skewer, and adhere folded sides together with hot glue or double-sided tape. Cut ribbon into a triangle shape, and plant the skewer into a cupcake. Place a small white candy "ball" near the flag.
To create sand traps, spoon about 1 teaspoon graham-cracker crumbs in the center of each of 6 cupcakes. With your thumb, make an indentation in the middle of each pile of crumbs, shifting it to one side to form a steeper side or an irregularly shaped trap. Refrigerate 30 minutes to allow frosting to set.