Preheat oven to 325F.

Line 2 muffin tins with cupcake liners and set aside.

Cream butter and sugar in a mixer until light and fluffy. Add in eggs, one a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.

Whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl.

Add to the butter and sugar mixture alternating with the milk. {I do 1/2 cup of milk, about 1/3 of the flour mixture, and then repeat twice more.} Beat well after each addition.

Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners about 2/3 full. Bake for 22-27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let the cupcakes cool and then split in half with a serrated knife.

Pipe frosting {or spread with a knife} onto the lower half and place top half of cupcake back on. Frost the top of the cupcake and then place the stars in the frosting.