# Ingredient List:
→ Cupcakes
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1/2 cup whole milk
09 - 1/3 cup vegetable oil
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1/2 cup hot water
→ Chocolate buttercream
12 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
14 - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
15 - 2 tablespoons milk
16 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - Pinch of salt
→ Decoration
18 - 1 cup shredded coconut or chocolate sprinkles (optional)
19 - 36 mini candy-coated chocolate eggs
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners and set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla until blended.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; gradually add the hot water and mix until the batter is smooth and thin.
05 - Divide the batter evenly among the prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
06 - Bake 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
07 - Beat the softened butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add milk, vanilla and a pinch of salt and beat until light and fluffy, adjusting texture with a little more milk if needed.
08 - Pipe or spread the buttercream onto each cooled cupcake in a circular motion, creating a shallow well in the center to resemble a nest.
09 - Lightly press shredded coconut or sprinkle chocolate sprinkles over the buttercream to create nest-like texture, toasting the coconut first if preferred.
10 - Place 2–3 mini candy eggs in the center of each nest. Serve at room temperature and store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
