Ingredients:
- For the cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup good-quality cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground star anise
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorns (or more, if you dare!)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- For the frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup good-quality cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk, plus more if needed