1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare Pans
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease three 12-count mini muffin pans.

📌 Pro Tip: Nonstick spray plus a light dusting of flour helps prevent sticking.

2️⃣ Mix the Dough
• In a large bowl, combine Devil’s Food cake mix, eggs, oil, and black food coloring (if using).
• Stir until a soft, thick dough forms.

📌 Pro Tip: For a darker cauldron look, add an extra drop of black coloring.

3️⃣ Fill the Muffin Pans
• Scoop ½ tablespoon of dough into each muffin cavity.
• Flatten gently with your fingers to form an even layer.

📌 Pro Tip: Use a small cookie scoop for consistent portioning.

4️⃣ Bake the Cauldrons
• Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
• Remove from oven and immediately press the back of a 1-tablespoon measuring spoon into each cookie to form an indentation.
• Cool completely in the pans.

📌 Pro Tip: If indentations rise back, press them again gently after 2 minutes.

5️⃣ Make the Potion Frosting
• Beat softened butter until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
• Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until frosting is smooth and pipeable.
• Tint with green food coloring until desired shade.

📌 Pro Tip: Start with less milk—the frosting should be thick enough to hold a swirl.

6️⃣ Pipe the Bubbling Potion
• Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip.
• Pipe frosting into cooled cookie cups, swirling upward like bubbling potion.

📌 Pro Tip: Pipe tall swirls so decorations look like potion spilling over the rim.

7️⃣ Decorate with Magic
• Sprinkle green sprinkles, candy eyeballs, and Halloween sprinkles on top.
• Insert half a pretzel stick into each cookie as a spooky “stir stick.”

📌 Pro Tip: Add toppings immediately after piping so they stick securely.