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Spooky Chocolate Cupcakes

These spooky cupcakes are made with rich cocoa and moist, tender crumb, decorated to look creepy yet adorable. The recipe involves mixing dry and wet ingredients, baking until fluffy and slightly domed, then frosting with themed decorations for a fun, festive treat. Perfect for Halloween parties or a whimsical baking adventure.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder Dutch-processed if possible
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup milk any variety

Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric hand mixer
  • Cooling rack
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. You’ll see the dry ingredients get evenly distributed and slightly aerated.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy, light, and pale, about 3 minutes. You’ll notice it becomes creamy and smooth to the touch.
  4. Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. The batter will become slightly thick and glossy. Mix in the vanilla extract for a fragrant touch.
  5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Mix on low speed just until combined after each addition. The batter will be smooth and slightly thick but pourable.
  6. Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. The batter should mound slightly above the liner edges.
  7. Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. You’ll hear a gentle rise and see the tops become slightly domed. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
  8. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. They’ll develop a soft, moist crumb with a slightly shiny surface.
  9. Once cooled, frost the cupcakes with your favorite spooky-themed icing—think black, orange, or green. Use a spatula or piping bag to create creepy faces or patterns for a fun, festive look.
  10. Finish with fun decorations like candy eyes, sprinkles, or edible glitter to add that creepy yet cute Halloween vibe. Now, your spooky cupcakes are ready to serve and delight!

Notes

Ensure butter is softened for best creaming results. Don’t overmix after adding dry ingredients to keep cupcakes light and fluffy. Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. Get creative with decorations for a truly spooky effect!