Pumpkin Chocolate Cupcakes

10/31/2014

I waited until the last minute to get my candy but I am prepared for the barrage of trickers that will inevitably be knocking on my door tonight.

I've got my chocolate bars and lollipops in a bucket beside my front door and right beside the candy, I have a tray of pumpkin cupcakes that I will be passing out to the more "mature" trick or treaters.

It's not that kids won't appreciate a cupcake now and then but lets face it, tonight is all about filling their jack o'lantern with raw sugar. And, after years of tricker treating with my own kids, I know that sometimes the parents need a little sugar energy halfway around the neighborhood.

So if you happen to live in my neighborhood and you are out trick or treating with your kids tonight, make sure you stop by for a pumpkin cupcake. You don't even need a costume.

Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar
2/3 cups sugar
3/4 cup canola oil
3 large eggs
1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup sour cream

Whisk together the dry ingredients.

Beat together the sugars and oil about 2 minutes.