from pans to cooling rack. cool completely, about 30 minutes.
on large round platter or pizza pan, arrange cupcakes, placing them close together. in medium bowl, mix food color and frosting. spread frosting over cupcakes and spaces in between to create 1 large circle of frosting. squeeze 1 large dot of black gel in center of frosting. with gel, draw concentric circles around the dot, spacing them about 2 inches apart. to create the web design, drag a toothpick from the center dot to the outer edge of the circle, about 12 times. place plastic spiders on web. store loosely covered.
use gummy spider candies for more color and to make this 