Ghirardelli Chocolate Frosted Cupcakes

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 muffin pans with paper liners and set aside. (5 minutes)

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. (3 minutes)

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs and sugar on medium speed for 1 minute until light and combined. (1 minute)

In a separate bowl, whisk together the vanilla, oil, and buttermilk. (2 minutes)

With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined after each addition, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Do not overmix. (5 minutes)

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. (3 minutes)

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the pans halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. (18 minutes)

Transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. (15 minutes)

Chocolate Frosting: In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler), melt the chocolate chips, stirring occasionally until smooth. (5 minutes)

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cocoa and boiling water until smooth. Let both the melted chocolate and the cocoa mixture cool to room temperature. (20 minutes)

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, confectioners' sugar, and salt on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. (3 minutes)

With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the cooled melted chocolate, then beat in the cooled cocoa mixture until smooth and combined. (2 minutes)

To Assemble: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top of each cupcake. (10 minutes)

Let the frosting set for about 5 minutes, then decorate each cupcake with a Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Bunny. (5 minutes)