Chocolate Cupcakes with Heart Toppers

Name: Chocolate Cupcakes with Heart Toppers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; ½ cup cocoa powder; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Heart-shaped sprinkles or cookie cutter for decoration

Highlighted under: Cozy Ideas

I absolutely love baking these Chocolate Cupcakes with Heart Toppers! They are not only deliciously rich and chocolaty, but they also bring a touch of whimsy with their cute heart decorations. Each bite feels like a mini celebration, perfect for birthdays or just to brighten someone's day. The joy of watching them rise beautifully in the oven is unmatched, and I can't wait to share them with my friends and family. Trust me, once you try these cupcakes, they'll quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire!

Created by

Marnie Calder

Last updated on 2026-01-08T14:33:34.953Z

When I first created these Chocolate Cupcakes with Heart Toppers, I wanted something that would make everyone smile. The combination of a moist, rich chocolate cupcake paired with sweet, creamy frosting was the perfect canvas for a lovely heart shape. I found that using a simple heart cookie cutter made all the difference when it came to the presentation!

One little tip I discovered is to slightly chill the frosted cupcakes before adding the heart toppers. This way, the frosting firms up a bit, making the decorations easier to press into place. It's these little touches that elevate a homemade treat into something really special.

        Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
        Moist and decadent chocolate flavor that satisfies every craving
Adorable heart toppers make them perfect for any celebration
Versatile for any occasion, from birthdays to romantic dinners

      

Selecting Quality Ingredients

The success of these Chocolate Cupcakes with Heart Toppers largely hinges on the quality of your ingredients. Using high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder not only enhances the rich chocolate flavor but also contributes to a moist texture. Look for natural cocoa for a more robust flavor or Dutch-processed cocoa for a milder, smoother taste. Additionally, whole milk adds creaminess to the batter, ensuring that your cupcakes are rich and decadent.

When it comes to granulated sugar, be sure to measure accurately; too much sugar can make the cupcakes overly sweet and can affect the texture, causing them to be gummy. I recommend using a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially if you're a beginner or looking to perfect your recipe.

Frosting Techniques

Frosting can easily make or break your cupcakes, and achieving the right texture is key. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted; it should feel cool to the touch. Creaming the butter properly—until it’s light and fluffy—creates a stable base for your frosting. Once you add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mix on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud. Gradually increasing the speed will create a silky, consistent frosting that’s easy to spread.

If your frosting feels too thick after adding the powdered sugar, you can adjust the consistency by incorporating a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time. On the flip side, if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the desired pipable consistency.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
½ cup cocoa powder
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Heart-shaped sprinkles or cookie cutter for decoration

Instructions

Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with liners. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Finally, stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.

Bake the Cupcakes

Pour the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla, then beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, generously frost each cupcake with the buttercream frosting. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter or sprinkles to add decoration on top.

Pro Tips

Experiment with different sprinkles or toppers to customize your cupcakes for various occasions!

Make-Ahead and Storage

These chocolate cupcakes are fantastic for making ahead of time. Once fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to preserve them for a longer period, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Simply wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months; just let them thaw at room temperature before frosting.

For the best flavor and texture, frost your cupcakes closer to serving time. This way, the buttercream stays light and fluffy. If you’ve pre-frosted the cupcakes, store them in the refrigerator—though the frosting may lose some fluffiness when stored longer.

Serving Suggestions

These chocolate cupcakes can be dressed up for any occasion! For a romantic touch, consider adding fresh raspberries or strawberries on top of the frosting alongside the heart sprinkles. You can also pair these sweet treats with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

If you’re hosting a larger gathering, why not create a cupcake bar? Set out various toppings like crushed cookies, mini chocolate chips, and different flavored sprinkles, allowing guests to customize their own cupcakes. Not only is this interactive, it also adds an element of fun to your gathering, appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them closer to serving time for the best results.

→ What can I use instead of baking soda?

You can use baking powder instead, but you'll need to increase the amount slightly. Adjust your recipe accordingly!

→ Can I freeze the cupcakes?

Absolutely! You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container.

→ Can I substitute almond milk for whole milk?

Yes, almond milk works well in this recipe! Just ensure you choose an unsweetened version for the best flavor.