With Valentine’s Day only 29 days away, I am already thinking about lovely things, like Nutella, and cupcakes, and chocolate, and more chocolate (did I say chocolate enough? LOL :-D)

For these cupcakes, I just did the standard Betty Croker box of chocolate cake mix.  I also used these fun cupcake liners/toppers from the recent Valentine’s Celebration Box at HandCrate.

Chocolate-Nutella Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

4 cups powdered sugar (usually 1 whole package, but measure it out if you aren’t sure)

1 cup butter (2 sticks) softened

2-3 tablespoons vanilla

3 tablespoons cocoa powder

1-3 tablespoons milk

7 ounces of Nutella (or half of a standard 13-ounce jar)

Decorating bags

1 Wilton Large Star Icing Tip

Mixer

1.  In your mixing bowl, add 4 cups powdered sugar.  Mix gently for 30 seconds to break the lumps apart on lowest speed.
2. Add 1 cup softened butter. To soften the butter, put in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds.
3. Add 2-3 tablespoons of vanilla and 1 tablespoon milk.
4. Turn the mixer on the lowest speed setting. Keep on low until the mixture is incorporated.
5. Once the base of the frosting has been slightly incorporated, add the 3 tablespoons of cocoa.  Mix.  Add the Nutella.  Mix again.
6. Check the consistency of your buttercream.  If the frosting is stiff, add a tablespoon or so more of milk.
7. Frost onto cooled cupcakes once you reach desired consistency.  Add sprinkles and candies if desired.  🙂