Spider Web Chocolate Cupcakes (Printable)

Chocolate cupcakes crowned with creamy frosting and marshmallow webs—festive treats for Halloween and themed gatherings.

# Components:

→ Cupcakes

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Frosting

10 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
12 - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
13 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
14 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
15 - Pinch of salt

→ Marshmallow Web

16 - 1 cup mini marshmallows

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with 12 cupcake liners to ensure even baking.
02 - Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl until fully blended.
03 - In a separate large bowl, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and airy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, mixing after each addition.
04 - Gradually mix dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternately with the milk. Begin and finish with dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
05 - Portion the batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake 16 to 18 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
06 - Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack and cool completely before decorating.
07 - Beat butter until creamy. Sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then add milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until frosting is smooth and fluffy.
08 - Generously spread chocolate frosting onto each cooled cupcake using a spatula or piping bag.
09 - In a microwave-safe bowl, heat mini marshmallows for 15 to 20 seconds until melted. Stir until smooth, let cool until stretchy yet safe to handle. Pinch off small portions and stretch between your fingers, then drape over frosted cupcakes to mimic spider webs.
10 - Optionally, embellish with candy spiders, edible glitter, or themed decorations as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses common pantry staples you likely already have in your kitchen
  • Perfect for spooky parties or a fun family baking project
  • Surprisingly easy to decorate even if you are a beginner
  • Moist chocolate cupcakes with rich frosting everyone wants seconds
02 -
  • High in fun factor perfect for kids or party tables
  • Freezes beautifully unfrosted for up to two months
  • Easily adapts for other holidays with color changes
03 -
  • Always use soft fresh marshmallows for easy stretching and web design
  • Let the marshmallow cool slightly so it sticks but does not burn your fingers
  • For sky high frosting use a large piping tip and chill the bowl before beating the butter

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