Favorite Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsweetened dutch process cocoa
• 3/4 cup hot strong brewed coffee
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cake flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup plus 1 tbsp. butter, at room temperature
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. 1

   Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa and coffee until combined and smooth. Set aside until the mixture comes to room temperature.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, in a separate medium bowl, sift together the flours, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugars, making sure there are no lumps.

3. 3

   In the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using a hand mixer, cream together the butter and sugars until the mixture is light and airy, about 5 minutes. Scrape the sides as needed for even mixing.

4. 4

   With the mixer running, mix in the whole eggs, then the yolks, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla until just combined.

5. 5

   Mix in the combined dry ingredients and cocoa mixture, alternating between the two (one-third of the dry, then half of the cocoa, in stages) until both are thoroughly combined, being careful not to over-beat.

6. 6

   Evenly spoon the batter into 20 lined cupcake pans; the batter should fill each liner two-thirds to three-fourths full. Bake the cupcakes, one pan at a time and in the center of the oven, until the cupcakes have risen and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.

7. 7

   Remove the pan to a rack to cool before frosting the cupcakes. The cupcakes are best eaten the same day they are made, or can be frozen as soon as they are cooled.