My Favourite Chocolate Cupcakes

When Green & Black's Organic also sent me some of their cocoa to experiment with, I was originally thinking of making some cocoa meringue nests for Easter (and still might), but Chelsea really wanted to bake with me and cupcakes are just so much more fun.  I decided to whip up some chocolate cupcakes let the kiddos have a little cupcake decorating party that afternoon. These are now my go-to chocolate cupcakes, and this cocoa took them over the top... sooooooo chocolately!

My Favourite Chocolate Cupcakes

Makes 16 Cupcakes

2/3 cup awesome quality cocoa, like Green & Black's Organic

1 cup boiling water

1/2 cup salted butter, at room temperature

1 cup sugar

4 egg whites

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 tsp baking powder

1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

Get out your cocoa...

When I opened this can, I was totally amazed at how good it smelled.  Usually I don't find cocoa smells that chocolatey in the can... but this cocoa, wow.

Anyway, once you are done smelling the cocoa and rolling your eyes back into your head, combine it and the hot water in a small bowl, stir until well mixed and then set it aside until it is cooled.  

This is a great time to get your muffin tins lined, preheat your oven to 375 degrees and get your other ingredients ready to go.

Whip the butter up in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.  Add the sugar and continue mixing on medium speed until it is well creamed.  Add in the vanilla and the egg whites and mix on medium speed for about a minute and a half, until very light and no lumps remain.

Add in the baking powder and flour and mix until just incorporated. 

Then, all at once, add in the cocoa and stir in on the lowest setting (or you'll be wearing it). Once the cocoa is mixed in, turn it up on medium high for about 30 seconds, just to give it one last spin.

Fill your prepared muffin tins about two-thirds of the way.

Bake at 375 degrees for 17 minutes.  Allow to cool thoroughly on a wire rack and then decorate as desired. We whipped up a batch of vanilla buttercream and went crazy with the Easter candy.

Enjoy!!!

Disclosure:  I received product to sample, but no other compensation was provided.  Opinions, as always, are mine.