Chocolate cupcakes

Delicious chocolate cupcakes: a quick and simple dessert

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 12 cupcakes

I invite you to discover the perfect recipe for chocolate cupcakes, a quick and simple dessert, ideal for chocolate lovers. These little delights are perfect for serving at a party, as a snack, or simply to indulge yourself.

Ingredients:
- 100 g flour
- 50 g quality cocoa powder
- 40 g cornstarch
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 100 ml freshly brewed coffee (or hot water)
- 80 ml sunflower oil (or coconut oil for a more exotic flavor)
- 100 g honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 egg (optional, for a fluffier texture)

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (fan) or 200°C (conventional). Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing. It is important to use quality cocoa, as it will influence the final taste of the cupcakes.

Step 2: Sift the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, sift the flour, cocoa, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder. This step is essential to avoid lumps and to ensure a fine texture of the cupcakes. Mix the dry ingredients well with a spatula.

Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients
In another bowl, combine the hot coffee, oil, and honey. If you choose to use eggs, add it now. Mix well with a whisk or fork until the honey is completely dissolved. The coffee adds a deep flavor and intensifies the chocolate taste, so don’t skip it!

Step 4: Combine the ingredients
Now, pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently mix until the ingredients are well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, to keep the cupcakes fluffy.

Step 5: Baking
Prepare a muffin tray with paper liners or grease it with a little oil. Fill each cup about 2/3 full with the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cooling and serving
Once the cupcakes are baked, let them cool in the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. These chocolate cupcakes are delicious served warm or at room temperature.

Serving suggestion: You can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top or serve them with vanilla ice cream for a contrast of textures and flavors. Also, for a personal touch, you can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.

Variations: If you want to experiment, you can replace some of the flour with almond flour for a richer flavor. You can also try adding a few drops of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the wet mixture for an extra flavor boost.

These chocolate cupcakes are not just a delicious dessert, but also a perfect way to indulge yourself. With every bite, you will enjoy an explosion of chocolate, and your friends and family will be impressed by your culinary skills. So, don’t hesitate and start making these wonderful cupcakes!