Spider Cupcakes

31 Days of Fun Fall Ideas- Idea #30

I made these to send into my daughter's class for the halloween party. A few other mom's wanted something fun and scary and black, so this is what I came up with.  The little spiders took some time, but they were fun to make.

Spider Cupcakes

1 box cake mix, I used red velvet again, since not all kids like chocolate cake

1 tub black frosting

1/3 cup white frosting

Black licorice sticks

mini oreos

jimmies, sprinkles

Bake cake according to package, making 24 cupcakes.  While baking, cut 1/2 inch pieces of licorice, then cut each piece into 8 strips.  As pictured below.

Next, assemble spiders by separating top and bottom mini Oreo cookies.  I only 1/2 of the cookie because the full cookie was too thick.
-Frost the bottom side of the cookie and attach four licorice strip to each side of cookie to create legs.  Once Oreos all have legs, frost the top and place two colored circles close to the top of the cookie for eyes.
-Cover body with jimmies, I could only find brown, but I think brown added a little color contrast and made the spider stand out a little more.  Once all spiders are assembled and cupcakes are cooled, frost each cupcake with black frosting.
-Heat white frosting in microwave for 15-20 seconds or until lightly melted.  Place frosting in a ziplock bag and snip the end.  Squeeze white frosting into three circles on cupcake as pictured below.

Using a toothpick, start at center of cupcake and pull out toward edge going around cupcake 5-7 times to create a spiderweb look.

Place an assembled spider in the center of each cupcake and have napkins ready, these cupcakes are fun,  but might turn tongues black!