Cupcake Recipe No. 1 (August)

Unless noted, all cupcake recipes and photos are taken from www.mingmakescupcakes.yolasite.com.

Here's the first recipe! Just as many people like to start their days with a little caffeine, why not start our list of cupcakes with a little caffeine as well?

#1: Espresso Fudge Cupcakes with Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing

CUPCAKES
1 cup flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 tsp. espresso powder
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
Mix flour, cocoa, espresso, baking powder, soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar on medium until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and add vanilla and egg.
Add milk and flour mixture alternately while still mixing. Stir in chocolate chips.
Scoop into cupcake liners and then bake for about 20 minutes.
[Tip: To test to see if a cupcake is fully baked, poke it all the way through with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean, then the cupcake is ready.]
Set on rack to cool.

ICING
4 oz. cream cheese
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tsp cocoa
splash of milk
chocolate chips or coffee beans

Mix cream cheese and vanilla at medium speed until creamy. While beating, add sugar, cocoa, and milk gradually.
Spread on cooled cupcakes with icing spatula. Top with chocolate chips or coffee beans.