I was introduced to hi-hat cupcakes by Joann's on Third while I was living in Los Angeles. I think they call theirs the cloud cupcake. And it is much taller than these and truly a very epic looking cupcake. :) So after seeing those about 3 years ago, I of course wanted to go home and try to make them. I found a recipe via Martha Stewart, who says it's originally from the book Cupcakes!
My first attempt was a big FAIL. I couldn't get the frosting to stay on the cupcakes while dipping. So frustrating! I would end up with a big pile of upside down frosting in my melted chocolate cup. And I could not figure out what I had done wrong! I felt like I followed every step. If you bake very often you've probably had a moment like this in the kitchen. It's that moment where you feel kind of dumb and realize what you've been doing for the last hour or two will NOT be rewarded with a delicious cupcake. Cruel, cruel world.
Lately I have been in the mood to try past failed recipe attempts. I think it's something about the new year (even though I realize we are starting to get well into 2013 at this point). I really love cooking, baking and creating recipes. But I'll be the first to admit I'm no expert on a lot of things. I want to be. I want to improve and learn and grow in that area of my life, because it has been such a positive outlet for me over the years. So any dish that I've struggled with before, like say macarons, I am in the mood to try, try again. Take another crack at it. Give it the ol' college try (what does that one even mean anyway?).
As you can probably tell from these photos, I did it! And these are amazingly delicious! I decided to make two versions: dark chocolate and white chocolate. I think the main difficulty here is having enough patience to make these happen. They are a process for sure. And when the directions say to beat the frosting mixture for 12 minutes, this will feel like an eternity. And I had to buy a hand mixer because I realized I didn't have my immersion blender with me, (I was house sitting) and a Kitchen Aid mixer couldn't accommodate the simmering water. Read the directions if that sounds confusing. Then, I put the cupcakes with the frosting in the freezer for a bit. I think patience beating the mixture and the freezer step were crucial to preventing all the frosting from just falling in the chocolate. 
It is also advisable to allow your melted chocolate to cool before dipping. It can't cool enough that it is beginning to become solid, but the cooler it is the less likely it will be to melt the tips of your cupcakes off. But if this happens it's not really a big deal. Way better than the entire top coming off. :)
I will for sure be making these again. I am hoping for some kind of wizard party (or maybe Halloween), because I think you could easily add a little black construction paper loop to the middle of the cupcakes after they are done and boom. Witches' hats! xo. Emma
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A Beautiful Mess is all about creating a beautiful life. We share daily inspirations, DIY projects and recipes. We believe that the best things in life are homemade.
My first thought was: Good Lord, these look delicious! I definitely want to try these!
Posted by: Laura @ chaotic domestic | February 22, 2013 at 10:18 AM
Way to push through a first failed attempt! These cupcakes as a result of your perseverance, I'm sure, are that much sweeter!
Posted by: Carli | February 22, 2013 at 10:18 AM
Hmmm, looks so tasty.
Posted by: Flora | February 22, 2013 at 10:21 AM
Challenge accepted
Posted by: Kristina B | February 22, 2013 at 10:23 AM
Yummy! I´ll do it!
Kisses!
www.marshylicious.blogspot.com.ar
Posted by: Mar | February 22, 2013 at 10:23 AM
Aaaaah....they make me drool!
:))
Posted by: Mireille | February 22, 2013 at 10:25 AM
Emma,
Thanks for being the type of person who not only writes articles about amazing cupcakes, but also includes the phrase "wizard party." I fully expect a wizard party feature. Thankyouverymuch.
Posted by: Amy | February 22, 2013 at 10:28 AM
Looks SO good! :D
Posted by: Rosie W | February 22, 2013 at 10:29 AM
sooooo yum!
Posted by: danaeL | February 22, 2013 at 10:32 AM
Oh my !! they look so yummy...
http://hidinginheaven.blogspot.fr/2013/02/the-one-with-our-new-friend.html#more
Posted by: Hiding In Heaven | February 22, 2013 at 10:32 AM
These look SO delicious! I don't know if I could pull them off, but if I have a day to myself I might try!
♥Brooke
youreinbrookelynn.blogspot.com
Posted by: Brooke | February 22, 2013 at 10:33 AM
i am dying. why must you guys always share the most beautiful, delicious-looking food?
kw ladies in navy
Posted by: kelsey | February 22, 2013 at 10:34 AM
Oh wow - gorgeous! I am so impressed and also craving chocolate now so thanks for that ;) em
Posted by: emily | February 22, 2013 at 10:37 AM
Looks delicious !!
XX Luba
White Blazer & Ombre jeans in my look today
http://www.well-living-blog.com
Posted by: Well Living BLog | February 22, 2013 at 10:53 AM
I saw something like this on Pinterest and I was wondering how you get the icing to stay on.
Posted by: Natasha | February 22, 2013 at 10:57 AM
Oh gosh, those look amazing! My pregnancy brain tells me I need to have one ASAP!
Posted by: Shasta | February 22, 2013 at 11:08 AM
I want 0_o
Posted by: lizette vigo | February 22, 2013 at 11:21 AM
I'm not a huge fan of frosting, but these look delicious.
Posted by: Sarah Kyle (Lady Go Lightly) | February 22, 2013 at 11:21 AM
You could totally pipe little faces on them and make adorable ghosties for Halloween (or...you know...February). :-)
Posted by: sarah marie | February 22, 2013 at 11:27 AM
Oh my gosh this looks so yummy!! I just Pinned it!
Carlee
http://almostendearing.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Carlee | February 22, 2013 at 11:28 AM