Ingredients

The following ingredients have 14 Servings
  • 1 cup (240ml) water
  • 1/2 cup (41g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 and 1/3 cups (166g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 4 cups (460g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 3/4 cup (225g) Nutella
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • pinch salt
  • optional: decorative candies

Instruction

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C). Line 14 muffin cups with liners.
  • Over high heat, boil the water in a small saucepan. Pour the unsweetened cocoa powder into a medium sized bowl and mix with boiling water until smooth. Allow to cool to room temperature by placing in the refrigerator as you prepare the other ingredients.
  • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium sized bowl. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, using an electric hand or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla extract. Slowly add the flour mixture and beat only until *just* combined. In a steady stream, add the cooled cocoa mixture and stir until smooth.
  • Fill each muffin tin 3/4 of the way full with batter. Bake for 16-19 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid even the slightest burning (which will lend dry cupcakes). My cupcakes took 17 minutes and a toothpick inserted in the middle came out clean. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool before frosting.
  • In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Stop the mixer and add confectioners’ sugar, Nutella, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium-high speed and beat for 2 full minutes. Add up to 1/2 cup more confectioners’ sugar if frosting is too thin or another Tablespoon of cream if frosting is too thick. Add a pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet. (I always add 1/8 teaspoon salt.)
  • Frost cooled cupcakes with a piping tip, knife, or icing spatula. I used Wilton #12 round tip. Decorate with candies, if desired.
  • Serve immediately. Store leftover cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.