To make the spiders: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips at 50 percent power for 45 seconds. Stir, then heat 30 seconds at 50 percent power. Stir. Repeat as necessary until chocolate is almost melted, then stir until it is smooth, taking care not to burn it. Remove a few spoonfuls of the melted chocolate to a small bowl. Stir in 1/4 cup raisins. Spoon out a few raisins at a time, mounding them 4 inches apart on wax paper, to create 12 spider “bodies.” (Make a few extra for backup.) To the reserved chocolate, add 1 cup chow mein noodles. Gently stir to coat the noodles. Scoop them out onto a separate sheet of wax paper. Select 8 of the most leglike noodles (1 to 2 inches long, with a slight curve) to arrange around each cluster of raisins, pressing gently into the cluster. Press 2 red-hot cinnamon candies into the clusters for eyes. Allow the chocolate to harden completely. (Spread any remaining chocolate-covered noodles on the wax paper to dry; you may need some backups if any legs break after the spiders set.)
Generously frost the cupcakes. Gently remove the spiders from the wax paper and place one in the center of each cupcake. Touch up the spiders with replacement legs, if needed.

Prep time will vary depending on ingredients used and decorator's level of expertise.

Total nutrition information will vary depending on the cupcake used as a base.

Per spider (decoration and icing only): 134 calories (percent of calories from fat, 41), 1 gram protein, 20 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 7 grams fat (3 grams saturated), no cholesterol, 19 milligrams sodium.

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