SPIDER CUPCAKES

Spider Cupcakes image

Spooky Spider Cupcakes are creepy-and easy! Make a chocolate cupcake into a spider by adding a half-marshmallow "body" under the frosting, licorice legs and mini M&M eyes. Add chocolate sprinkles for a "hairy" effect. -Darla Wester, Meriden, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 package chocolate cake mix (regular size)
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
12 large marshmallows
Sprinkles
24 miniature marshmallows, cut in half
48 M&M's minis
192 pieces black licorice (3 inches)

Steps:

Prepare cake mix batter according to package directions. , Fill 24 paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 21-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For frosting, in a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa, butter and milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. , Cool to 110°. Transfer to a large bowl. Beat until thickened and mixture begins to lose its gloss, about 8 minutes. , Cut large marshmallows in half crosswise; place a half on each cupcake. Frost marshmallow and top of cupcake. Dip cupcakes in sprinkles. Place a dab of frosting on each miniature marshmallow and press on to cupcakes. Place a dab of frosting on each M&M and press on to marshmallows for eyes. , For spider legs, use a metal or wooden skewer to poke four holes on opposite sides of cupcakes; insert a piece of licorice into each hole.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 246 calories, Fat 10g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 34mg cholesterol, Sodium 186mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (29g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.