Preheat oven to 350ºFahrenheit. Line 18 cupcake wells with liners. Set pan aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat 10 tablespoons of softened butter and sugar together until creamy.


Add eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat again until combined.

Add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and 3/4 cup milk.
 Beat just until batter is uniform.


Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full.
 You should get 18 cupcakes.

Place in preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.


While cupcakes are baking, prepare frosting.


Beat powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons butter, and remaining milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until frosting forms the desired consistency.


Separate frosting, coloring 1/4 of it with brown food coloring and 3/4 of it with yellow and orange food coloring until you reach the desired color.


When cupcakes are baked and cooled, transfer frosting to two separate zip-loc bags.
 Depending on your decorating skills, you may choose to use tips to apply the frosting.

Another option is to simply pipe the frosting on by cutting a corner of the bag off and then use a toothpick to create a sunflower look.