- 1 tablespoon pistachio liqueur or a couple of crushed pistachios for garnish
#### Instructions:
1. **Preparation:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. **Dry Ingredients:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add ground cinnamon for an extra touch if desired, then mix well to ensure even distribution.
3. **Wet Ingredients:**
- To the dry ingredients, add the egg, orange extract, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until just combined.
- Gradually add in the softened butter, sour cream, and orange juice while mixing on low speed with an electric mixer.
4. **Bake Cupcakes:**
- Once mixed, scoop the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
5. **Pistachio Buttercream:**
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with orange zest and pistachio liqueur or crushed pistachios for a richer flavor.
6. **Assemble Cupcakes:**
- Once cupcakes are completely cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a decorating tip to pipe the pistachio buttercream onto the tops of the cupcakes.
- Decorate as desired with additional orange zest or chopped pistachios.
7. **Storage and Serving:**
- Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Enjoy these delightful chocolate orange cupcakes with their unique pistachio buttercream!
### Keywords:
- Chocolate Orange Cupcakes
- Pistachio Buttercream
- Orange Extract
- Cinnamon
- Cupcake Liners
By following these steps and using the SEO-friendly formatting, you'll be able to create a delicious and visually appealing treat that's sure to impress your guests!