Mocha Cupcakes

Mocha cupcakes are a delightful treat for coffee and chocolate lovers alike. Here's a recipe for you:

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled to room temperature

For the mocha frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Slowly pour in the cooled brewed coffee and mix until just combined. The batter will be thin, but that's normal.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
9. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the mocha frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and instant coffee granules, mixing until well combined.
12. Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk, then beat the frosting until light and fluffy. If needed, add an additional tablespoon of heavy cream or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
13. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the mocha frosting using a piping bag or offset spatula.
14. Optionally, garnish the cupcakes with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
15. Serve and enjoy your delicious mocha cupcakes!

These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a special celebration or just a sweet indulgence. Enjoy!