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1
Line twenty 2-1/2-inch muffin cups with foil bake cups; set aside.
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2
In a medium bowl, stir together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
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Set aside.
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4
In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.
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Add sugar; beat until combined.
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Add eggs, one at a time, beating for 30 seconds after each addition.
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Beat in chocolate and vanilla.
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8
Alternately add flour mixture and milk to chocolate mixture, beating on low speed after each addition until well combined.
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9
Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each nearly two-thirds full.
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10
Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the centers comes out clean.
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Cool in muffin cups on wire racks for 10 minutes.
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12
Remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.
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13
Place cupcakes 2 inches apart on wire racks set over waxed paper.
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14
Spread a scant 1 teaspoon of the preserves over each cupcake.
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15
Slowly drizzle a small amount of the Chocolate Ganache over each cupcake, allowing it to spread and cover the preserves and entire surface of the cupcake.
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If necessary, spread ganache gently so it covers the preserves completely.
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17
Let stand for 20 minutes.
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18
To decorate, fill a decorating bag fitted with a small round tip with Decorating Icing (or, place icing in a resealable plastic bag and snip a small piece off one corner to use as a piping bag).
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19
Pipe on a tuxedo (vest, bow tie and buttons) on nine of the cupcakes.
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20
Pipe on a dress (necklace, buttons and corsage) on remaining cupcakes.
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21
Use small decorative candies to detail the buttons or necklace.
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22
Chocolate Ganache: In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup whipping cream just to boiling over medium-high heat.
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Remove from heat.
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24
Chop 7 ounces semisweet chocolate, bittersweet chocolate or milk chocolate.
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Add to hot cream (do not stir).
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26
Let stand for 5 minutes.
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Stir until smooth.
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Let stand at room temperature until completely cool but still drizzling consistency before drizzling over the cupcakes.
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29
Decorating Icing: In a medium bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar and enough milk (4 to 7 teaspoons) to make of piping consistency.
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30
If desired, stir in a few drops of food coloring.