KID-MADE COCOA CUPCAKES

Kid-Made Cocoa Cupcakes image

I'm only a kid, and this is the first recipe I've created. I spent a year perfecting these cupcakes, asking advice from owners of local bakeries and my baker friends. I make them for every special occasion in my family and sometimes just for fun. If you want the cupcakes to taste more like hot cocoa, double the amount of hot cocoa mix. This recipe works well with multiple frosting flavors: mint, maple syrup, vanilla, marshmallow and buttercream. Decorate them any way you want! -Maia Hubscher, South Orange, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
2 tablespoons instant hot cocoa mix
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3 large eggs, room temperature
2/3 cup whole milk
1/3 cup water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 milk chocolate baking bar (4 ounces), melted
Whipped topping, thawed, optional

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375°. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners., Combine the first 5 ingredients. In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, water and vanilla. Add egg mixture to dry ingredients, beating on medium until smooth. Beat in butter; add melted chocolate and beat just until blended., Fill prepared muffin cups half full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 25-30 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. If desired, top with whipped topping. Decorate as desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 162 calories, Fat 6g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 64mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.