Chocolate Lavender Cupcakes

Yields 12-14 cupcakes

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2/3 cup hot water
8 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lavender, crushed (use a mortar and pestle or spice grinder)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Line a cupcake tin with baking cups.

In a small bowl, whisk together cocoa powder and hot water. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Add eggs, mixing well between each addition. Add vanilla extract and crushed lavender.

Slowly add flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa mixture. Mix until smooth.

Fill baking cups 2/3 full of batter, sprinkle a few lavender buds on the cupcakes for decoration, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean