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Dark Wings Cupcakes

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Dark Wings Cupcakes are rich chocolate cupcakes topped with eerie black cocoa frosting and striking candy wings—perfect for Halloween parties or any spooky-themed celebration. They’re dramatic, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make!

Ingredients

  • For the cupcakes:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup boiling water
  • For the frosting:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup dark cocoa powder
  • Black gel food coloring (to desired darkness)
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
  • For the wings:
  • Black candy melts (or substitute black licorice or dark chocolate)
  • Parchment paper and piping bag or plastic bag (for shaping wings)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
  4. Gradually stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).
  5. Divide batter evenly into 12 cupcake liners.
  6. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
  7. To make the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar and dark cocoa powder.
  8. Add black gel food coloring and milk, beating until smooth and fluffy.
  9. For the wings, melt black candy melts, pipe wing shapes onto parchment paper, and let them harden.
  10. Frost cooled cupcakes and insert two wings into each one for a spooky “dark wings” effect.

Notes

  • Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to the batter for a spicy kick.
  • For a non-Halloween variation, use colorful food dye and pipe angel-style wings.
  • Wings can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored in a cool, dry place.
  • If using licorice or chocolate for wings, make sure they’re thick enough to stand upright.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/dark-wings-cupcakes/