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Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

These moist and fluffy chocolate cupcakes are topped with a rich, creamy frosting. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this easy recipe is ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any time you crave a chocolatey treat!
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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • Cupcakes:
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup boiling water or hot coffee for extra richness
  • Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Cupcake liners
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk or hand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Piping bag (optional, for frosting)

Method
 

  1. Cupcakes:
  2. Preheat Oven and Prep Tin
  3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients
  5. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Add Wet Ingredients
  7. Add the egg, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
  8. Add Hot Liquid
  9. Gradually add the boiling water or hot coffee, mixing until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin—this is normal and makes for moist cupcakes.
  10. Bake
  11. Pour the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  12. Frosting:
  13. Cream the Butter
  14. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  15. Add Dry Ingredients
  16. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating on low speed until combined.
  17. Add Liquid Ingredients
  18. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Increase to high speed and beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and holds its shape, about 3 minutes.
  19. Frost the Cupcakes
  20. Use a piping bag or a spatula to frost each cupcake. Add sprinkles or chocolate shavings if desired.