Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
2 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chili powder, preferably high grade, like Mexican
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled to room temperature
4 extra-large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
1 cup water
For the glaze:
3/4 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup skim milk
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 pound confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup bourbon
1/4 cup vanilla extract
Directions
For the cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line 36 muffin tins with cupcake liners and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and chili powder, and set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add chocolate and beat on medium speed until well combined, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add sour cream and vanilla and mix until well combined, about 2 minutes.
With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture and water in three parts, alternating between the two, and beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat until just combined, about 2 minutes.
Fill prepared muffin cups 3/4ths full with batter. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Rotate the cupcake pans halfway through for even baking. Let cool completely before frosting.
For the glaze:
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, over medium-low heat, combine the butter and cocoa powder and let them melt slowly, making sure not to burn the chocolate.
Whisk together the milk and vinegar and add to the butter/cocoa mix. Add the confectioners’ sugar, a little at a time, whisking as you go. Stir in the bourbon and the vanilla. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. The icing should harden a bit. When it is spreadable, ice the cupcakes.
