Prepare the chocolate cake mix based on the cupcake instructions using the red cupcake liners.

Allow the cupcakes to cool completely at room temperature.

In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and butter until combined and smooth.

Then slowly add in the confectioners’ sugar (1 cup at a time) on low speed until well combined.

Then stir in the vanilla extract and milk until combined.

Split the icing into 2 mixing bowls.

Place approximately 70% of the icing in 1 bowl and 30% in another.

Then add a few drops of the red food coloring until the bowl with the larger amount of icing in it.  Stir until the frosting is a vibrant red coloring.

Place the red frosting in a piping bag with a large round pastry tip.  Then pipe a red frosting swirl on top of each cupcake.

Place the white frosting in a piping bag with a star tip.  Use this pastry bag to pipe small star shapes around the base on the red frosting.  Then top each of the cupcakes with a small star on top of the red frosting to resemble the top puff on the santa hat.

Then the cupcakes are ready to serve and enjoy!