CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES
adapted from  :   Joy of Baking; thanks..
tried by  :   zaralovebaking; moist & delicious...




Chocolate Cupcakes :

   1/2  cup  cocoa powder  (50 gm)
      1  cup  boiling hot water  (240 ml)
1 1/3  cup  all-purpose flour  (175 gm)
      2  tsp   baking powder
   1/4  tsp   salt
   1/2  cup  unsalted butter  (113 gm)
      1  cup  granulated white sugar  (200 gm)
      2  large  eggs
      2  tsp   vanilla extract


Chocolate Fudge Frosting :

  120  gm  unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped  (4 ounces)
   2/3  cup  unsalted butter  (150 gm)
1 1/3  cup  powdered sugar, sifted  (160 gm)
1 1/2  tsp   vanilla extract


Method :

Chocolate Cupcakes :  Preheat the oven to 375'F/190'C.  Line muffin tin with paperliners.  In a small bowl; stir  until smooth the boiling hot water and cocoa powder.  Let cool to room temperature.
     In another bowl; whisk together the flour, baking powder & salt.  Beat the butter and sugar until light & fluffy.  Add the eggs; one at a time.  Beat in the vanilla extract.  Add the flour mixture and beat only until incorporated.  Then add the cooled cocoa mixture and stir until smooth.
     Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with batter and bake for about 16 to 20 minutes.  (Do not over bake or the cupcakes will be dry).


Chocolate Fudge Frosting :   Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water.  Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
     Beat butter until smooth and creamy.  Add the powdered sugar and beat until light & fluffy.  Beat in the vanilla extract.  Add the cooled chocolate and beat until incorporated.  Increase the speed and beat until frosting is smooth & glossy.  (makes about  :  30 cupcakes)...