Spider Infestation Chocolate Cupcakes with Edible Web

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt).
3. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, oil, vanilla, and buttermilk. Mix well.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Slowly add boiling water to the batter and mix until smooth (batter will be thin).
6. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Beat softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
10. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until desired consistency is reached.
11. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
12. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
13. Let cool slightly, then transfer to a small Ziploc bag or piping bag.
14. Frost cupcakes with vanilla buttercream.
15. Cut a small hole in the corner of the Ziploc bag (or piping bag tip).
16. Pipe concentric circles of melted chocolate on top of the frosting.
17. Using a toothpick or skewer, drag lines from the center of the cupcake outward to create the spiderweb effect.
18. Optional: Add edible spiders or sprinkles for decoration.
19. Let the chocolate web set for a few minutes before serving.