Cookie Monster Cupcakes

adapted from: Bird on a Cake

1 batch of your favorite cupcakes

1 batch buttercream frosting tinted blue

sky blue food coloring

Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies (they are the perfect size)

white candy melts

chocolate chips (I used Guittard, which are slightly bigger than regular)

Wilton #233 decorating tip

First, take a cupcake and cut out a mouth for Cookie Monster. Place a cookie in the mouth and pipe frosting fur all over the cupcake. Melt a few candy melts. Put a dab on the back of a chocolate chip and stick it on the flat side of a candy melt. If blue frosting fur is still soft, you can just press the "eyes" into the cupcake. If the frosting has hardened, put a dollop on the back of the candy melt and press the "eyes" into the cupcake. Repeat with remaining cupcakes. That's all there is to it!!

Vanilla Cupcakes

from: Jenn@eatcakefordinner

1 c. flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 c. sugar

2 eggs

1/2 c. vegetable oil

1/2 c. buttermilk

1 tsp. vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 10-12 muffin cups with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients and pour the wet into the dry. Stir just until combined. Spoon into prepared muffin cups. Bake for 17-18 minutes or until done. Yield: 10-12 cupcakes depending on how full you fill the muffin cups.

Vanilla Buttercream

from: Jenn@eatcakefordinner

2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

pinch of salt

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 1/2 - 3 c. powdered sugar

1 Tbl. vanilla coffee creamer or milk

Whip butter until fluffy. Add salt and vanilla and mix until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until combined. Add the creamer or milk and beat until smooth. If mixture is too thick, add a little more creamer or milk.