Chocolate Candy Surprise Cupcakes

1.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.

2.In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.

3.Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4.In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth.

5.Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6.Fold in the chocolate chips gently into the batter.

7.Spoon a tablespoon of batter into each cupcake liner, then place a chocolate candy in the center of each, and cover with more batter until the liners are about 2/3 full.

8.Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9.While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting by mixing the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.

10.Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the chocolate frosting using a spatula or piping bag.

11.Decorate with additional chocolate candies on top if desired. Serve and enjoy your festive chocolate candy surprise cupcakes!