dotty valentine cupcake toppers (from airheads!)

Okay, I’ll admit it – I was ALL OVER this challenge.

As an Alt Summit attendee I received an e-mail from Airheads inviting me to create a Valentine-themed craft, using (what else?) Airheads!

No stranger to using candy as a decorating tool (thank you, Hello Cupcake!), I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

Polka dots.

I was inspired by this recipe from Martha Stewart, and I thought it might be fun to try this technique using the Airheads.

Cute, right? And simple too.

You can take a look at the other entries by clicking here – there are some really creative people out there!

Wish me luck!

Materials
Airheads candy, in assorted colors
Rolling pin (I used my fondant rolling pin but any size will do)
Heart-shaped cutter (mine was 2 1/2″ across, which fit nicely on a standard cupcake)
Pastry tip (I used an Ateco #5, with a 1/2″ opening)
Parchment paper
Kitchen shears
One batch of cupcakes, cooled and frosted

If using the standard Airheads bars, cut in half and place the two halves, side by side and slightly overlapping, on a plate lined with a piece of parchment paper (for easy removal). If you’re using the mini bars, you’ll need two per heart – again, placed side by side and overlapping slightly.

Microwave for 5-7 seconds, till just pliable. Transfer to a parchment-lined cutting board and roll till evenly thin and smooth. Cut with your heart-shaped cutter, reserving the trimmings.

Using your pastry tip, make several holes in the heart, reserving the punched dots. Repeat with remaining Airheads.

Place contrasting dots in all of the hearts, using the trimmings to make additional dots if needed.

Microwave each filled heart for 3 seconds – go over the heart with your rolling pin to “seal in” the dots.

Let air dry for 24 hours; place on top of your frosted cupcakes.

About the author

Sheri Silver

Sheri Silver is a New York-based food photographer and recipe developer who has been cooking and baking for over 30 years. She works with brands, authors and restaurants to create recipes that are as beautiful as they are foolproof - and every recipe on this blog has been made, tweaked and eaten in her own kitchen.

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