18.25 oz chocolate cake mix
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
12 large marshmallows
chocolate sprinkles
48 M&M'S® mini baking bits
192 pieces black licorice

Prepare cake batter according package directions. Fill 24 greased or lined muffin cups. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 21-26 minutes. Cool 5 minutes in pan; transfer to wire rack to finish cooling.

FOR FROSTING:

Combine sugar, cocoa, butter, and milk in small pot. Bring to a boil on medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla. Cool to 110°F.

Beat with wooden spoon until thick and losing gloss, about 8 minutes. Cut marshmallows in half width wise; place 1/2 on each cupcake. Frost marshmallows and tops of cupcakes. Dip in sprinkles.

Place dab of frosting on each M&M and press on to look like eyes. Using skewers, poke 4 holes on each side of each cupcake. Insert a piece of licorice into each hole.

Submitted by: Liz