End your game-day party on a high note with these easy, festive football cupcakes. I make them every Super Bowl and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. You can use any cupcake flavor and frosting you like—the handmade chocolate football toppers are what steal the show.
Football Cupcakes
Ingredients and supplies:
- 12 oz bag chocolate chips (milk or semisweet)
- 6 oz white chocolate chips or white candy melts
- Shortening (to thin chocolate)
- 2 disposable piping bags or sturdy zip-top bags
- Wax paper
- Baked and frosted cupcakes
- Football template (print, coloring book, or hand-drawn)
Instructions:
- Prepare a football template about 2 inches wide. Make a few extra templates—you’ll want extras in case some toppers break (for example, make about 30 footballs for 24 cupcakes).
- Tape the template to your counter or a baking sheet, then cover it with a sheet of wax paper and tape the wax paper in place so it won’t slip.
- Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between each interval, or melt in a double boiler on the stove. Add a small amount of shortening to thin the chocolate so it flows smoothly. The chocolate should be fully melted and fluid enough to pipe.
- Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag or a sturdy zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off. Start by tracing the outline of each football template, then “flood” the interior with chocolate to fill the shape. Work steadily and allow the chocolate to set.
- Repeat the melting process with the white chocolate, thinning with a touch of shortening if needed. Pipe the white chocolate over the solid chocolate footballs to add the laces and any decorative lines.
- Let the footballs dry completely. To speed up setting, place the tray in the refrigerator or freezer for a short time. When set, use an offset spatula or a thin knife to carefully lift the chocolate footballs off the wax paper.
- Gently place each chocolate football on top of a frosted cupcake. The toppers don’t have to be perfect—handmade variations add charm and character.
Tips:
- Work on a cool surface and avoid humid conditions so the chocolate sets cleanly.
- If the chocolate gets too thick while you work, rewarm it briefly and stir in a bit more shortening.
- For sturdier toppers, allow them to fully harden in the fridge before transferring to cupcakes.
These cupcakes are simple, customizable, and a fun finishing touch for any football-themed gathering. The chocolate footballs are quick to make and always draw compliments—perfect for Super Bowl parties or any game-day celebration.