Thing One and Thing Two Cupcakes – Explore Treats from Dr. Seuss’ World!
Bring the chaos and fun of Dr. Seuss’ classic The Cat in the Hat to your party table with these playful Thing One and Thing Two cupcakes!
Bright blue frosting, red-and-white wrappers, and personalized character toppers make these perfect for themed birthdays, classroom celebrations, or Read Across America Day.
In this recipe, you’ll bake soft vanilla cupcakes, top them with sky-blue frosting to mimic wild Seussian hair, and add signature “Thing” labels for an unmistakable look.
You’ll also learn how to naturally tint your frosting without relying solely on artificial food coloring.
Quick Overview
| Prep Time | Bake Time | Decorating Time | Total Time | Servings | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 18–20 mins | 30 mins | ~1 hr | 12 | Easy |
Ingredients
Cupcake Base
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| All-purpose flour | 1⅓ cups | Sifted for fluffiness |
| Baking powder | 1¼ tsp | For lift |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances flavor |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (1 stick) | Softened |
| Sugar | ¾ cup | Granulated |
| Eggs | 2 large | Room temperature |
| Vanilla extract | 1½ tsp | Use clear vanilla for white base |
| Milk | ½ cup | Whole or any preferred milk |
Frosting
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup | Softened |
| Powdered sugar | 4 cups | Sifted |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Optional |
| Heavy cream | 2–3 tbsp | For smoother texture |
| Blue food coloring | As needed | Gel for best vibrancy |
| Natural coloring option | 1–2 tsp | Use butterfly pea flower powder or blue spirulina powder |
Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Use | Alternatives |
| Cupcake tray | To bake cupcakes | Muffin tin |
| Cupcake liners | Red liners preferred | Any color if not available |
| Mixer | To mix batter and frosting | Hand whisk |
| Piping bag + tip | To create “hair” frosting (grass or star tip) | Zip-top bag with cut corner |
| Printable toppers | Optional: “Thing 1/Thing 2” round labels | You can write by hand too |
Let’s Make Thing One & Thing Two Cupcakes
These cupcakes are simple to bake and decorate. You’ll use bright blue frosting to imitate their wild hair and add fun tags for that signature Seussical flair.
Baking and decorating them is a perfect hands-on activity for kids, making this both a delicious and creative family project.
Step 1: Bake the Cupcakes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cupcake tray with red liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 mins). Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Stir in vanilla.
Add dry ingredients in two batches, alternating with milk. Mix gently until smooth but not overworked.
Divide evenly among the liners and bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.
Step 2: Make the Blue “Hair” Frosting
Beat butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar.
Add vanilla and cream, then beat on high until fluffy and pipeable.
Coloring options:
- For artificial color: Use blue gel coloring until vibrant.
- For a natural hue: Add butterfly pea flower powder or blue spirulina powder. Start with ½ teaspoon, mix, and increase to desired shade.
Tip: Natural powders may offer a more pastel tone but are safer for kids and allergy-conscious guests.
Step 3: Decorate Your Thing Cupcakes
Use a piping bag fitted with a grass or star tip to pipe the frosting upward to mimic fluffy blue hair.
Print and cut out small circles labeled “Thing 1” and “Thing 2.” Tape them onto toothpicks or lollipop sticks.
Insert toppers gently into each cupcake. Alternate “Thing 1” and “Thing 2” if you’re making a dozen.
Optional: Add red candy hearts or sprinkles around the base of the frosting for extra color.
Cake Background – Who Are Thing One and Thing Two?
Thing One and Thing Two are mischievous twin-like characters from the beloved 1957 book The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss.
Released from the Cat’s box, they cause playful chaos in the house with their silly antics and energy.
With their iconic blue hair and red jumpsuits labeled with their names, they’ve become favorites in classrooms and children’s parties worldwide — especially on Dr. Seuss Day (March 2nd)!
These cupcakes are a tribute to their fun-loving personalities and endless energy.
Variations to Try
| Variation Name | Description |
| Strawberry Seussies | Add strawberry puree to the batter for a pink-tinted base. |
| Chocolate Twist Things | Use chocolate cupcakes with light blue frosting for extra contrast. |
| Thing Three & Four | Make extra topper labels for more characters in larger parties. |
| Mini Seuss Cupcakes | Make mini cupcakes with mini toppers for school snack trays. |
| Healthier Hair | Tint frosting naturally with butterfly pea powder or blue spirulina. |
| Vegan-Friendly | Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and aquafaba instead of eggs. |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a red or white cake stand with a Cat in the Hat backdrop.
- Pair with blue raspberry punch or Dr. Seuss-themed cookies.
- Perfect as party favors in individual boxes with printed Seuss quotes.
Storage
| Method | Duration | Notes |
| Room Temp | 1–2 days | Store in a cool place in airtight container |
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Ideal if frosting is heat-sensitive |
| Freezer | 1 month | Freeze without frosting for best results |
Final Tips
- Always cool cupcakes completely before frosting to avoid melting.
- For the best visual effect, use a bold liner and a piping tip with definition.
- Let the kids decorate their own — it’s part of the Seuss spirit!
