Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 24 cupcake cups with paper liners. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions. Divide evenly between the prepared pans. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean; 22 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
Step 2
Tint the frosting a light green with the food coloring. Use a tiny dab of paste to start and add more if necessary. (Kids can help.) Spoon some of the frosting into a pastry bag fitted with a small star tip.
Step 3
Help kids place the chocolate cookies on top of the cupcakes. Starting at the base, pipe lines all around. Continue layering until completely covered. Let kids place the candies on top for the face. Pipe dots as the pupils with the black frosting. Add two 6-inch pieces of the black licorice as the legs.