Ingredients
2 3/4
cups all-purpose flour
3
teaspoons baking powder
1/2
teaspoon salt
3/4
cup shortening
1 2/3
cups granulated sugar
5
egg whites
2 1/2
teaspoons vanilla
1 1/4
cups milk
6
cups powdered sugar
2/3
cup butter, softened
1
tablespoon vanilla
3
to 4 tablespoons milk
48
vanilla wafer cookies
Assorted colors decorating icing (from 6.4-oz cans)
12
rolls fruit flavored snacks in three-foot rolls (any flavor; from two 4.5-oz boxes)
Assorted candy sprinkles, if desired
Preparation
Heat oven to 350°F. Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups. In medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. In large bowl, beat shortening with electric mixer on medium speed 30 seconds. Gradually add granulated sugar, about 1/3 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat 2 minutes longer. Add egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla. On low speed, alternately add flour mixture, about a third at a time, and milk, about half at a time, beating just until blended.
Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes; remove cupcakes from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
In large bowl, mix powdered sugar and butter with spoon or electric mixer on low speed. Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla and 3 tablespoons milk. Gradually beat in just enough remaining milk to make frosting smooth and spreadable. Frost cupcakes.
On each cupcake, press 2 vanilla wafers, 1 for the head and 1 for the body. With decorating icing, decorate 1 wafer with eyes, mouth and hair. Cut 4x2 1/2-inch pieces from fruit snack; press onto cupcakes, covering other cookie, to look like a blanket. Decorate blankets with decorating icing and candy sprinkles.
