Instructions

1. To make the frosting, combine softened butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa in a large mixing bowl. Beat with handheld mixer on high until frosting is light and fluffy.
2. Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a decorating tip.
3. Unwrap Lindt truffles.
4. To make gold paint, mix gold food coloring dust with vodka in a small bowl until a paint forms. Roll each truffle in paint until all sides are coated. Use a brush if needed to smooth out gold paint. Two coats will likely be necessary.
5. Insert a toothpick into each of the painted truffles and stand them up on a small block of Styrofoam. Allow painted truffles to dry.
6. Pipe frosting in a swirl pattern on each cupcake.
7. Decorate each cupcake by placing a gold truffle on top.
8. Make New Year’s Eve cupcake picks using the linked template.  Print out two copies and cut out messages. Glue both sides back-to-back on a gold or black painted decorative pick.*
9. Place decorative picks on each cupcake.
10. Serve.