Spider Web Chocolate Cupcakes (Print)

Moist chocolate cupcakes with spooky marshmallow webs, perfect for festive party treats.

# Components:

→ Cupcakes

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Frosting

10 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
12 - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
13 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
14 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
15 - Pinch of salt

→ Marshmallow Web

16 - 1 cup mini marshmallows

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with 12 cupcake liners.
02 - Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl until thoroughly combined.
03 - In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
04 - Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
05 - Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
06 - Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Remove cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
08 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
09 - Generously spread or pipe the chocolate frosting atop each cooled cupcake.
10 - Microwave mini marshmallows in a microwave-safe bowl for 15 to 20 seconds until fully melted and sticky. Stir well.
11 - Let marshmallow cool briefly until stretchy but not hot. Pinch off small pieces, stretch between your fingers, and drape over the frosted cupcakes to create a web pattern. Repeat until each cupcake has a spider web effect.
12 - Add candy spiders or edible glitter for additional Halloween flair as desired.

# Chef Secrets:

01 -
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients you probably have on hand
  • Quick to put together so perfect for last-minute party prep
  • The marshmallow web technique is surprisingly easy and gets kids excited to help
  • Ideal for themed parties, bake sales, or classroom treats
02 -
  • High in fiber thanks to cocoa and flour
  • Freezes beautifully for make-ahead treats
  • The marshmallow webs are naturally gluten free and add an addictive chewy topping
03 -
  • Stretch marshmallow webs just long enough for sticky strands but make sure it is not too hot so you avoid any burns
  • For extra light cupcakes do not overmix the batter after combining wet and dry ingredients
  • Always sift your cocoa and powdered sugar for the smoothest possible frosting

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