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Spooky Halloween Cupcakes

These spooky cupcakes are made by mixing a chocolate-flavored batter using simple ingredients like flour, cocoa, butter, and eggs, then baking until fluffy and moist. Once cooled, they're decorated with themed icing to create creepy yet adorable treats perfect for Halloween celebrations. The final cupcakes boast a tender crumb with a playful, creepy appearance that’s sure to delight both kids and adults.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder Dutch-processed preferred
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup milk whole or plant-based

Equipment

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

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners, ready for the batter.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures a smooth, clump-free batter.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and fragrant—about 3 minutes.
  4. One at a time, add the eggs to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, filling the bowl with a warm, sweet aroma.
  5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Mix gently on low speed just until everything is combined—don’t overmix to keep the cupcakes tender.
  6. Use a spatula to fold the batter gently, scraping down the sides of the bowl until uniform in color and texture, with a smooth, thick consistency.
  7. Scoop about two-thirds full into each cupcake liner using a spoon or scoop. The batter should mound slightly over the top of the liners.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cupcakes are ready.
  9. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, their surface slightly domed and the aroma of chocolate filling the room.
  10. Once cooled, decorate with spooky-themed icing—think piping shapes like ghosts, spiders, or eyes to add a creepy, fun touch.
  11. Enjoy these charming, creepy cupcakes with a cold glass of milk or your favorite Halloween beverage—perfect for a festive treat!

Notes

Ensure butter is softened for smooth creaming. Don’t overmix after adding dry ingredients to keep cupcakes light. Cool cupcakes completely before decorating to prevent melting frosting.