Chocolate buttercream frosting

Photography by Danya Weiner

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Piping icing through a decorating bag fitted with a star tip will give cupcakes a pastry-shop look that even beginners can achieve.

3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter, at room temperature

4 level tablespoons cocoa powder

3 tablespoons boiling water

3 cups powdered sugar*

In mixer, beat butter. In separate bowl, sift cocoa powder and add boiling water.

Mix until paste is uniform.

Transfer paste to the mixing bowl containing the butter, gradually adding powdered sugar.

Beat for about 1 minute to achieve smooth, uniform consistency.

Makes enough frosting for 12 medium-size cupcakes.

*Kitchen Ade note: To achieve a smooth consistency, sift powdered sugar before making frosting.