Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Chocolate Chip Frosting

INGREDIENTS

1 cup

water

1/2 cup

unsweetened natural or dutch-process cocoa powder

and 1/3 cups (167g) all-purpose flour (measured correctly)

2 tsp

baking powder

1/4 tsp

salt

1/2 cup

or 115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup

granulated sugar

large eggs

2 tsp

pure vanilla extract

1 cup

or 230g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

3 cups

(360-480g) powdered (confectioners') sugar

2 tbsp

heavy cream*

1/4 tsp

peppermint extract (or more, see recipe instructions)

drops green food dye

salt, as needed

2/3 cup

mini chocolate chips