Perfect Chocolate Cupcakes
Rich, moist chocolate cupcakes that are easy to make and full of flavor.
Servings 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)*
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, cayenne pepper, and salt until well combined and no big clumps remain.
- Add the eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla and beat briefly until combined and mixture is smooth.
- Add boiling water and mix just until batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour or spoon the batter into the prepared pan and fill liners halfway. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 18 to 22 minutes. Cool for about 5 minutes in the pan, then move cupcakes to a rack to cool completely before frosting.
Notes
*The cayenne pepper really adds a lovely complexity and tiny hint of spicy warmth.