Creating Creepy Tree Cupcakes is fun and easy when you follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until blended.

4. Mix Batter: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Add green food coloring until the desired shade is achieved.

8. Decorate Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost each one with the green icing. Use a piping bag for the frosting to create tree-like shapes.

9. Add Sprinkles: Sprinkle chocolate sprinkles on the icing to give texture resembling bark or moss.

10. Garnish: Finally, add edible decorations like gummy worms or spooky candies to enhance the creepy effect!