Ghirardelli Chocolate Frosted Cupcakes

1 . Stage

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 muffin pans with paper liners; set aside.

2 . Stage

Into a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

3 . Stage

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs and sugar on medium speed for 1 minute.

4 . Stage

In a separate bowl, mix together the vanilla, oil, and buttermilk.

5 . Stage

With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the liquids; beat until combined after each addition, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

6 . Stage

Divide the batter evenly between the cups so that each is two-thirds full. Bake, rotating halfway, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, about 15 to 18 minutes. Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack to cool.

7 . Stage

Chocolate Frosting: Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler; stir occasionally until smooth, about 5 minutes.

8 . Stage

In a separate bowl, stir together the cocoa and boiling water. Let both the chocolate and the cocoa mixture cool to room temperature.

9 . Stage

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, sugar, and salt on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add the melted chocolate on low speed, and then beat in the cocoa mixture.

10 . Stage

To Assemble: Pipe frosting onto cupcakes. Let frosting set for 5 minutes. Decorate the cupcakes by placing a Ghirardelli Chocolate Bunny on top of the frosting.