Thing 1 and Thing 2 Cupcakes

Tweet
Share
Pin
Share

These bright blue cupcakes with wild red cotton candy hair bring the mischievous Thing 1 and Thing 2 characters to life. They are simple to make with a box cake mix and basic decorating supplies.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Instantly recognizable Dr. Seuss theme
  • Uses a box cake mix to save time
  • No fancy piping skills required
  • Cotton candy hair adds texture and fun
  • Kids can help with the decorating
  • Perfect for birthday parties or Read Across America Day

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

  • 1 box white cake mix
  • Eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box
  • Blue gel food coloring

For the frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Blue gel food coloring

For decorating:

  • 24 vanilla wafer cookies
  • Red cotton candy
  • Black edible marker or black icing
  • Candy eyes (2 per cupcake)
  • White fondant or white candy melts for faces (optional)

Steps

  1. Preheat your oven according to the cake mix directions and line a 24-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Prepare the cake batter according to the package directions.
  3. Add blue gel food coloring and stir until the batter is an even, vibrant blue.
  4. Divide the batter among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  5. Bake according to the package directions and let cool completely on a wire rack.
  6. Make the frosting by beating the softened butter with a hand mixer until smooth.
  7. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
  8. Add blue gel food coloring and mix until the frosting matches the cupcakes.
  9. Frost each cupcake generously using a offset spatula or piping bag.
  10. Write “Thing 1” on 12 vanilla wafers and “Thing 2” on the remaining 12 using the black edible marker.
  11. Press a labeled vanilla wafer into the center of each cupcake.
  12. Add two candy eyes above the wafer on each cupcake.
  13. Pull apart pieces of red cotton candy and press them into the top of each cupcake to create wild hair.
  14. Serve within a few hours for the best cotton candy texture.

Helpful Tips and Substitutions

Gel food coloring works better than liquid because it creates a more vibrant blue without thinning the batter.

If you cannot find candy eyes, use small white candies with black icing dots.

Red yarn or pipe cleaners can substitute for cotton candy if you want a non-edible version that lasts longer.

Frost the cupcakes up to a day ahead, but add the cotton candy right before serving or it will dissolve.

Use a store-bought vanilla frosting tinted blue if you want to skip making frosting from scratch.

Keep cupcakes away from humidity to protect the cotton candy hair.

Serving Ideas

Display the cupcakes on a cupcake stand arranged in alternating Thing 1 and Thing 2 rows.

Pair with Cat in the Hat themed plates and napkins for a complete party setup.

Set out extra cotton candy so kids can add more hair if they want.

Package individual cupcakes in clear boxes as party favors.

Serve alongside other Seuss-themed treats for a full dessert table.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Bake the cupcakes up to 2 days ahead and store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature.

Make the frosting up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate it, then bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.

Frosted cupcakes without cotton candy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Do not freeze decorated cupcakes because the candy eyes and cotton candy will not hold up.

Add the cotton candy hair no more than 2 hours before serving for the best results.

Let the Fun Begin

These cupcakes look impressive but come together easily with store-bought shortcuts.

The cotton candy hair is what makes them special, so do not skip that step.

Kids will remember these long after the party is over.

Similar Posts