Elmo cupcakes are a great centerpiece for an Elmo-themed birthday party or just a special treat for an Elmo-loving toddler. Read on to learn how to make Elmo cupcakes at any time of year!

If your little one is a fan Sesame Street's Elmo, why not make Elmo cupcakes for their birthday? Elmo cupcakes are easier than you may think, and your toddler can have fun helping to decorate them.

• You probably have almost everything you need for Elmo cupcakes in your kitchen already. Whatever you don't have already can probably be picked up at your local market.

1. Cupcakes, baked and cooled. Red velvet cupcakes work particularly well for Elmo cupcakes.
2. White frosting. Pure white will color more easily than off white.
3. Red food coloring
4. A spoon, spatula or knife to spread the frosting
5. Red sprinkles
6. Black rope licorice
7. White Necco wafers
8. Large orange gumdrops
9. Black decorating gel. If the gel isn't in a tube with a tip, you'll need a pastry bag with a thin writing tip.

1. Tint white frosting red with a few drops of red food coloring.
2. Frost cupcakes.
3. Cover frosting with red sprinkles.
4. Place two Necco wafers on the cupcakes for eyes.
5. Top each eye with a dot of black decorating gel in the center of the wafer.
6. Place an orange gumdrop in the center of the cupcake for the nose.
7. Curve a strip of black licorice into a smile, and place on Elmo for the mouth.

If you'd like to check out a few alternative methods for making Elmo cupcakes, check out these recipes:

• Mahalo's guide to Elmo Cupcakes
• Party Planning Professor: Want to Learn How to Make Elmo Cupcakes?

• Cookies 'n Cakes: Elmo Cupcakes Recipe

• Simple Beans: A Nonexpert Elmo Cupcakes Tutorial