CHAMPIONSHIP CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup

unsalted butter, room temperature

1 3/4 cups

granulated sugar

large eggs, room temperature

1 tsp

vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups

all-purpose flour

3/4 cup

cocoa powder

1 1/2 tsp

baking soda

1/2 tsp

baking powder

1 tsp

salt

1 1/3 cups

strong coffee

1 cup

unsalted butter, softened

4 cups

powdered sugar

1 tsp

vanilla extract

1/8 tsp

(pinch) salt

2 tbsp

milk, plus a few additional drops (if needed)

green gel food color

Chocolate covered almonds

#233 decorating tip, or a #14 star tip

#2 round tip

decorating bags for frosting