Chocolate-Hazelnut Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir into the batter alternately with the milk.
5. Gently fold in the hazelnuts and chocolate chips.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• Hazelnuts are believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region.
• Hazelnuts are a great source of Vitamin E, which is important for healthy skin and hair.
• Chocolate chips are a great way to get a burst of flavor in any baked goods.