Babeczki Czekoladowe, or Chocolate Cupcakes, are the perfect treat for the holiday season with their rich chocolate flavor and festive decorations. These delightful little cakes are a beloved Polish Christmas tradition, bringing joy and sweetness to friends and family gatherings. Baking these Babeczki Czekoladowe is a wonderful way to celebrate the season and create warm memories in your cozy home. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe and get baking!
**Ingredients:**
– 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– ½ cup buttermilk
– ¼ cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– ½ cup boiling water
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. **Mix the Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until lightly beaten. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cupcakes light and tender.
5. **Add the Boiling Water:** Stir in the boiling water slowly to the batter. The batter will be thin, but this is normal and will result in moist cupcakes.
6. **Fill the Cupcake Liners:** Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter. An ice cream scoop works great for this step to ensure even portions.
7. **Bake:** Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
8. **Cool and Decorate:** Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can decorate the cupcakes with your favorite frosting, sprinkles, or powdered sugar for a festive touch.
9. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve these Babeczki Czekoladowe at your Christmas gathering or enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter day. The rich chocolate flavor and moist texture will surely make them a hit with everyone!
**Whether you’re baking these Babeczki Czekoladowe for a holiday party or just a cozy night in, they are sure to bring smiles and warmth to your home. Enjoy the process of baking these delightful treats and savor the joy they bring to you and your loved ones. Happy baking and happy holidays!**
