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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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Equipment

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

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

Instructions
 

  • Cupcakes:
  • Preheat Oven and Prep Tin
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients
  • In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add Wet Ingredients
  • Add the egg, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
  • Add Hot Liquid
  • 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.
  • Bake
  • 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.
  • Frosting:
  • Cream the Butter
  • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  • Add Dry Ingredients
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating on low speed until combined.
  • Add Liquid Ingredients
  • 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.
  • Frost the Cupcakes
  • Use a piping bag or a spatula to frost each cupcake. Add sprinkles or chocolate shavings if desired.