Follow the instructions on the cake mix box, or whip up your go-to chocolate cupcake recipe.
Once they’re baked, let them cool completely. Stick them in the fridge for a bit if you're in a hurry.
Use the gray buttercream frosting to pipe a smooth, flat-ish circle on top of each cupcake. Think of it like a little saucer this is your spaceship. Pro tip: If you don’t have gray frosting on hand, mix a little black gel food coloring into white buttercream. Gently press mini M&M’s all the way around the edge of the frosting circle to mimic spaceship lights. Use all the colors.
Switch to your green frosting and pipe a little swirl in the center of each cupcake. A Wilton 18 tip gives the cute ridged look. Any star tip (or even a cut plastic baggie if you're in a pinch) will get the job done.
Press two (or more!) candy eyes onto the alien swirl. You can go classic two-eyed alien, or do three, four, or five.
Let them chill in the fridge if you’re not serving right away.
