Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

These are cupcakes for chocolate lovers.  A rich, moist cupcake, filled with a velvet chocolate ganache, and topped with marshmallow frosting.  Just like the perfect cup of hot chocolate.

Chocolate Cupcakes
from Hershey's 
2 cups sugar
1 3/4 cups flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup oil
1 cup hot water or coffee

Mix dry ingredients, then add in all wet ingredients except hot water.  Beat on low for 30 seconds, then at medium speed for 2 minutes.  Add in hot water and mix until combined.  Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full at bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes.

Chocolate Ganache
6 oz dark chocolate chips
6 oz semi sweet chips
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp corn syrup

Mix all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl.  Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between.  It should take about 90 seconds.  Continue stirring until all chips have been melted, and let cool slightly.

After cupcakes are cooled, cut a cone shape out of the center.  While the ganache is still warm, spoon a heaping teaspoon into the hole.

Seven Minute Frosting
from Martha Stewart
6 egg whites
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup water
2 Tbsp corn syrup
1 tsp vanilla

Mix egg whites, sugar, water and corn syrup in the bowl of a stand mixer and set over a pot of simmering water.  Whisk gently until it reaches 160 degrees.  Transfer bowl to stand mixer and whip for 5 minutes, until frosting has tripled in size and is glossy.  Pipe on cupcakes and toast using a torch if desired.

Idea from A Cozy Kitchen's Hot Chocolate Cupcakes