Pumpkin Patch Cupcakes

From MCCORMICK

Makes 24 cupcakes

Transform vanilla cupcakes into a special autumn treat with Nature’s Inspiration Food Colors and a few simple ingredients. Coat marshmallow halves in orange frosting and add chocolate taffy stems. Place “pumpkins” on a bed of green frosting grass – it’s your very own pumpkin patch at home!

INGREDIENTS

2 cups (4 sticks) butter, softened

4 teaspoons MCCORMICK All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract

2 cups confectioners sugar, sifted

3 tablespoons milk

1 1/2 teaspoons Sunflower color from MCCORMICK Nature’s Inspiration Food Colors, divided

1/4 teaspoon Berry color from MCCORMICK Nature’s Inspiration Food Colors

1 teaspoon Sky Blue color from MCCORMICK Nature’s Inspiration Food Colors

24 unfrosted cupcakes

12 regular marshmallows, halved crosswise

12 small chocolate flavored taffy rolls (Tootsie Roll), halved crosswise

DIRECTIONS

1.Beat butter and vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating well after each addition and scraping sides and bottom of bowl frequently. Add milk; beat until light and fluffy.

2.Remove 2 cups of the frosting into medium microwavable bowl. Tint frosting orange using 1 teaspoon of the Sunflower color and 1/4 teaspoon Berry color. Set aside.

3.Tint remaining frosting green using 1 teaspoon Sky Blue color and remaining 1/2 teaspoon Sunflower color. Spread top of cupcakes with green frosting. Using a fork, gently touch frosting in different directions to resemble grass spikes.

4.To make the pumpkins, microwave the orange frosting on HIGH 10 to 20 seconds, or until runny. Using a fork, dip marshmallow halves into frosting mixture, then place on top of frosted cupcakes. Let stand until pumpkin frosting has dried. Press a tootsie roll half in center of each pumpkin for the stem. Decorate leaves and vines with remaining green frosting, if desired.

Find this recipe and more holiday treats at mccormick.com