Chocolate Pine Cones Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1. Chocolate Cupcakes:
   • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 cup granulated sugar
   • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
   • 1 teaspoon baking powder
   • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
   • 1/2 teaspoon salt
   • 2 large eggs
   • 1 cup whole milk
   • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
   • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2. Chocolate Frosting:
   • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
   • 2 cups powdered sugar
   • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
   • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
   • 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
3. Decoration:
   • Pretzel sticks
   • Sliced almonds
   • Confectioners' sugar (for dusting)

Steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cupcakes

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
• In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, beat eggs, add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
• Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
• Fill cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Frosting

• Beat butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar and cocoa powder gradually.
• Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream until fluffy.

Step 3: Decorate as Pine Cones

• Once cupcakes are cool, frost them generously with chocolate frosting.
• Insert pretzel sticks as pine cone stems.
• Arrange sliced almonds in overlapping rows to mimic pine cone scales.
• Dust with confectioners' sugar for a snowy finish.

Step 4: Enjoy!

• Share and savor these chocolate pine cones cupcakes with friends and family. Perfect for festive occasions or any sweet craving!