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Spooky Chocolate Cupcakes

These spooky chocolate cupcakes are made using a simple batter of flour, cocoa powder, butter, and sugar, baked until fluffy and moist. Once cooled, they’re decorated with themed frosting to create creepy, cute treats perfect for Halloween celebrations. Their soft crumb and playful appearance make them a fun baking project for all ages.
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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 preferred
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup sugar white granulated or brown sugar
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup milk almond or oat milk works

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, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This creates a dry mixture that will give structure and richness to your cupcakes.
  3. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture looks pale, fluffy, and fragrant—about 3 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
  5. Reduce the mixer speed to low and alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined after each addition—be careful not to overmix.
  6. Use a spatula to gently fold the batter to ensure everything is well incorporated, but avoid overmixing to keep the cupcakes light and tender.
  7. Spoon the batter into the prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full for a nice domed top.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cupcakes will be risen and slightly firm to the touch.
  9. 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—this prevents sogginess and helps set their crumb.
  10. Once cooled, frost with your favorite spooky-themed icing—think black, orange, or green colors—and decorate with fun edible decorations to make them delightfully creepy and cute.
  11. Enjoy these soft, moist, and whimsically spooky cupcakes with friends or family, and revel in their playful, imperfect charm!

Notes

Ensure butter is softened for a smoother batter. Don’t overmix once dry ingredients are added to keep cupcakes light. Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting. Use fun edible decorations for a spooky effect.