Paw Print Cupcakes

I love these cupcakes because they are so easy to make and they lend themselves so well to a variety of themes.  As a former Den Mother and Cub Master, I love these Paw Print cupcakes for use in all of the dens.  As a mom, I love them because they go easily with a zoo outing or party, some of the Disney movies (Jungle Book, Brother Bear), and any other animal-based theme you might think of.

All of the ingredients for these "Cub Cakes" were purchased at my local Dollar Tree store.  Some Dollar Tree stores now have refrigerated sections and would also carry the eggs needed for the cupcake batter.  Mine doesn't, but it does carry the vegetable oil needed.



Make cupcakes in the flavor of your choice.  Top with vanilla icing.  Place a miniature York Peppermint Patty slightly off-center on top of each cupcake and arrange three Junior Mints around the top edge to form the paw.  If you'd like, chocolate chip "claws" and be added to the tips of the Junior Mints.  Chocolate chips may also be used in place of the Junior Mints for a more wolf-like animal track.  In fact, if you'd like to substitute a Mickey or Minnie Mouse theme, you could just remove one Junior Mint and arrange the mints in the familiar Mickey silhouette.  So easy!  Enjoy!