These edible decorations, typically small, round, and featuring a colored iris and pupil on a white background, are used to embellish baked goods and other treats. Frequently found topping cupcakes, cookies, and cakes, they add a whimsical and sometimes spooky touch to culinary creations. As an example, a batch of Halloween-themed sugar cookies might be enhanced with these to resemble monsters or creatures.
Their prevalence stems from their ability to instantly transform ordinary desserts into festive and visually appealing items, aligning with the celebratory atmosphere of the holiday. They offer a convenient and inexpensive way to add character to homemade or store-bought confections. Historically, the introduction of mass-produced decorative candies allowed for widespread adoption of these techniques in home baking and commercial production, increasing their popularity.