Monday Pick-Me-Up Cupcake

Coffee Cupcakes!

Alright, as promised, here is a yummy cupcake recipe to kick off your week right!

Dark Chocolate Coffee Bean Cupcakes

Cupcake:

• 1 1/8 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
• 1/2 cup and 2 tbs of whole milk  
• 1/3 cup strongly brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line Cupcake Pan with liners
• Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
• In a mixer on medium speed, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, and white sugar. Add in the milk, coffee, and melted butter.
• Slowly whisk in the dry ingredients.
• Bake for 15 minutes.

Frosting

• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
• 2tbs of brewed coffee
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar – add more for a thicker consistency

Directions:

1. Cream Butter and powdered sugar in a mixer on medium high speed.
2. Mix together instant coffee, brewed coffee, milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract
3. Add to mixer and whisk on medium high for about 3 minutes or until desired consistency is reached.
4. Put in piping bag and frost your cupcakes
5. Garnish with coffee beans or chocolate shavings if desired

The perfect morning pick-me up or after dinner treat! Enjoy!

Xoxo,

Jill

**Image courtesy of http://ladylorien.tumblr.com/page/2 **