MOCHA CUPCAKES

These cupcakes are inspired by one of my favorite drinks I made while working at Starbucks. My boss would always make sure I would make drinks exactly the way the book said to, but the drinks I made for myself were evil. I love espresso, and I liked a little bit of mocha and a little bit of white mocha in my espresso. So these are MY mocha cupcakes, that I topped with a light and whippy white chocolate frosting. The whole recipe was adapted from I ♥ CUPPYCAKES! Photos are of my cupcakes.

MOCHA CUPCAKES

1 1/3 CUPS ALL PURPOSE FLOUR

1/3 CUP UNSWEETENED COCOA POWDER

1 TSP BAKING POWDER

1/2 TSP BAKING SODA

2 TBSP ESPRESSO GROUNDS

1/4 TSP SALT

1/2 CUP HALF AND HALF

1/2 CUP BREWED ESPRESSO Dont be afraid to make it strong if you love coffee.

1/2 CUP SUGAR

1/2 CUP BROWN SUGAR

1 LARGE EGG

1. Sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and coffee grounds. Personally, the coarser the grounds, the better. Set aside.

2. Beat the sugars and the butter together. Then add the egg and beat until creamy.

3. Add 1/3 of the dry mixture and mix in. Then add the brewed espresso and mix well. Add more dry, then the half & half. And then add the rest of the dry.

BAKE AT 350 FOR 18-24 MINUTES.

WHITE CHOCOLATE FROSTING

3 LARGE EGG WHITES, ROOM TEMP

3/4 CUP SUGAR

PINCH OF SALT

18 TBSP UNSALTED BUTTER

5 OZ WHITE CHOCOLATE, melted then cooled

1. Combine the whites and the sugar and mix in bowl set in simmering water until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and beat on high until it holds stiff peaks.

2. Add the salt and mix in.

3. Cream the butter into the mixture until smooth.

4. Add the white chocolate and mix until smooth.