Ingredients

• All-purpose flour - 1 and ½ cups
• Sugar - 1 cup
• Baking powder - 1 and ½ teaspoons
• Salt - ¼ teaspoon
• Unsalted butter - ½ cup, softened
• Eggs - 2 large
• Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
• Milk - ½ cup
• Espresso or strong coffee - ½ cup
• Mascarpone cheese - 8 ounces
• Heavy cream - 1 cup
• Powdered sugar - ½ cup
• Cocoa powder - for dusting

Instructions

1. 1.

   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. 2.

   In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. 3.

   In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. 4.

   Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.

5. 5.

   Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.

6. 6.

   Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. 7.

   Allow cupcakes to cool completely, then brush the tops with espresso or strong coffee.

8. 8.

   In a bowl, whisk mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar until smooth and stiff peaks form.

9. 9.

   Pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.

10. 10.

    Dust with cocoa powder before serving.

Nutritional Facts