Spider Cupcakes

In honor of Halloween (can you believe it is only a month away?), I am going to post some fun Halloween cupcake ideas over the next month. To start with, I love cupcakes and Oreo cookies so this is the perfect Halloween cupcake for me.

1 (2-layer size) package chocolate cake mix

1 (4-serving size) package JELL-O Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling

1/3 cup KOOL-AID Orange Flavor Sugar-Sweetened Soft Drink Mix 2 tablespoons hot water

1 (16-ounce) can ready-to-spread white frosting

24 OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies 12 pieces black string licorice (32 inch each) 48 miniature candy-coated chocolate pieces

• PREPARE cake batter as directed on package; blend in dry pudding mix. Spoon evenly into 24 paper-lined medium muffin cups. Bake as directed on package for cupcakes. Cool completely.


• DISSOLVE drink mix in hot water. Stir into frosting until blended. Frost cupcakes, reserving some frosting for attaching candies.


• CUT each licorice piece into sixteen 2-inch pieces; set aside. Place 1 cookie on top of each cupcake. Insert 4 licorice pieces into each side of each cookie for the "spider's legs." (Eight licorice pieces for each cookie.) Add 2 candy-coated chocolate pieces to top of each cookie using some of the reserved frosting for the "spider's eyes."

Makes 2 dozen cupcakes or 24 servings, one cupcake each.
Tip: Cupcakes can be decorated up to 8 hours ahead.

Enjoy!
SDB