Chocolate and Hazelnut Cupcakes

Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 170 C.
2. Put the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, salt and butter in a freestanding electric mixer with a paddle attachment and beat on slow speed until you get a sandy consistency and everything is combined.
3. Slowly pour the milk into the flour mixture, beating well until all the ingredients are well mixed. Add the eggs and beat well.
4. Spoon the cupcake mixture into the paper cases until two thirds full and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until light golden brown and the sponge bounces back when touched.
5. Leave the cupcakes to cool slightly in the tray before turning out onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. When the cupcakes are cold, hollow out a small section in the centre of each one and fill with a dollop of hazelnut and chocolate spread.
6. For the hazelnut and chocolate frosting: beat the icing sugar and butter together in a freestanding electric mixer with a paddle attachment until the mixture comes together and is well mixed.
7. Slowly pour in the milk, then when it is all incorporated, turn the mixer up to high speed. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy, at least 5 minutes.
8. Stir in the hazelnut and chocolate spread by hand until evenly dispersed. When the cupcakes are cold, spoon the frosting on top and finish with as many hazelnuts of your choice.

Below is a picture of me at every stage in the recipe.

Below is the review for the Chocolate and Hazelnut Cupcakes. I asked an impartial person to give me their opinions on certain aspects and an overall rating at the end.

Chocolate and Hazelnut Cupcake
Aesthetics:
The presentation it very nice and the icing looks very appetising. An interesting colour, not too chocolatey. Presentation wise they are the most impressive so far. The hazelnuts on top are cute but a little swamped by the rest of the cake. Smells a lot like coffee which is odd because there is no coffee in the recipe.

Taste:
There are a lot of flavours instantly. Chocolate mixed with the hazelnut. Very moist and the little scoop of Nutella in the middle is a nice touch. The hazelnuts on top add a very nice crunch, so much so that there could be more if there was room.

Additional Comments:
Quite rich but definitely the most tasty so far. Would receive a higher mark, but the richness means only one can be eaten at a time.

Rating:
8/10

Below is a picture of the final cakes.