Graduation Cupcakes

My best friend's sister graduates from Law School at Elon University today. Friday John and I were invited to a cookout to celebrate with Jen and her family. I searched and searched for some simple, cute, and sweet cookies to take to the cookout, and I stumbled these graduation cap cupcakes. They were super easy to make!!


Step 1: Make your cupcakes.
I started by making chocolate fudge cupcakes with butter cream icing. I found the cake mix at Harris Teeter, doctored it up a little (that's my secret), and made some homemade buttercream icing to go on the cupcakes.

Step 2: Make your graduation caps.

You will need:

And some icing. I used royal icing but you could probably use some leftover buttercream icing from your cupcakes. ** Freeze your chocolate before you start building. I didn't do this and the chocolate started to melt as I was handling it. **

Start by flipping a Reese's upside down. Add a dollop of icing on the top. 

Then place one chocolate bar on top. Don't press down too firmly or else it will break. Let it dry for about 30 minutes. 

Next, it is time to add the tassel. I made some "gold" royal icing for the tassel to match Elon's colors. I used a #3 Wilton tip to create the tassel. If you do not have these materials at home, you could easily grab a can of pre-made decorating icing at a local grocery story. Start in the middle of the cap and add a thin line of icing that barely hangs off of the side of the cap. Then add a small dot in the middle of the cap. 

After letting the graduation caps dry for another 15-20 minutes you can add them on top of the cupcakes. 

The cupcakes were a hit at the party! Everyone was so excited that the graduation cap decorations were edible. I would definitely recommend making these for your next graduation party! 

Congratulations Jen!!!