Spice Cupcakes
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup molasses
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg
1/2 cup buttermilk
Mocha Frosting:
1-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon baking cocoa
2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate-covered coffee beans and assorted candies, optional
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk.
Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
In a small bowl, combine confectioners' sugar and cocoa. Stir in the coffee, butter and vanilla until smooth. Frost cupcakes. Garnish with coffee beans and candies if desired. Makes 15 cupcakes.
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