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Chocolate Orange Cupcakes

Chocolate Orange Cupcakes That Taste Like the Holidays combine rich chocolate and zesty orange in a festive, easy-to-make dessert perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 1 tsp orange extract optional, for extra zing
For the Chocolate Orange Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp orange extract
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: Orange zest or chocolate shavings for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin.
  2. Whisk: 1½ cups flour, ¾ cup cocoa, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ¼ tsp salt.
  3. Beat ½ cup butter with ¾ cup sugar + ½ cup brown sugar until fluffy.
  4. Beat in 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp orange extract (optional), and zest of 1 orange.
  5. Mix in dry ingredients alternately with ½ cup buttermilk and ½ cup fresh orange juice (start and end with dry). Mix just until combined.
  6. Fill liners ⅔ full. Bake 18–22 min. Cool completely.
  7. Beat 1 cup butter. Add 3½ cups powdered sugar + ½ cup cocoa.
  8. Add ¼ cup heavy cream, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp orange extract, zest of 1 orange, pinch of salt. Beat fluffy; adjust with more cream or sugar if needed.
  9. Frost cupcakes. Garnish with orange zest or chocolate shavings.

Notes

  • Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest make a huge difference in flavor. Bottled juice can taste flat or overly sweet.
  • Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and fluffier cupcakes.
  • The orange zest is where the magic happens—it adds an aromatic punch that elevates the entire cupcake.
  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.