Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
Sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix the egg, milk, oil, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until combined.
Add the hot coffee (or hot water) to the batter, which will be very liquidy.
Fill cupcake tins halfway with the batter.
Bake for about 18 minutes until a cupcake springs back when touched, or a toothpick comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let cool.