Favorite Chocolate Cupcakes

Chef Kate's Note:

These are very rich and do require a little bit of effort, but oh they are good. By way of the LA Times.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 20 cupcakes

• ¾ cup unsweetened dutch process cocoa
• ¾ cup hot strong brewed coffee
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cake flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup plus 1 tbsp. butter , at room temperature
• 2 eggs , at room temperature
• 2 egg yolks , at room temperature
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.