These never fail to make my kids smile, and they’re always a hit at bake sales.
—SANDRA SEAMAN GREENSBURG, PA
PREP: 30 MIN. • BAKE: 20 MIN. + COOLING • MAKES: 2 DOZEN
1package chocolate cake mix (regular size)
1can (16 ounces) chocolate frosting
24vanilla wafers
Black and red decorating gel
48pastel blue and/or green milk chocolate M&M’s
12Nutter Butter cookies
1. Prepare cake batter and bake according to package directions for cupcakes; cool completely.
2. Set aside 1/4 cup frosting. Frost cupcakes with the remaining frosting. With a serrated knife, cut off and discard a fourth of each vanilla wafer. Place a wafer on each cupcake, with the rounded edge of wafer near edge of cupcake, for face. Add dots of black gel for nostrils. With red gel, pipe on mouths.
3. Place M&M’s above wafers for eyes; add dots of black gel for pupils. Using reserved frosting and a #16 star tip, pipe hair. Carefully separate cookies; cut each in half. Position one on each side of cupcakes for ears.
HOW-TO Kids’ little fingers are just the right size for placing pieces. Give kids creative freedom to ensure that no two monkey faces are the same.