Halloween Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Basic Vanilla Frosting

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 40-50 small pieces of Halloween candy of your choice

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Line a 12-cup pan with muffin liners.
3. Melt the butter and chocolate over low heat on the stovetop. Stir until smooth and set aside to slightly cool.
4. In a medium sized bowl, mix the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together until combined. Set aside.
5. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth. Add the cooled butter/chocolate and whisk until smooth. Add half of the flour mixture, then half of the buttermilk. Repeat until everything is added. Stir until just combined; being careful not to mix too long.
6. Divide the batter into your 12 liners.
7. Bake for 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
8. For the frosting: blend frosting ingredients together until creamy.
9. Garnish with your favorite Halloween candy.