Creating Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes is straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the egg, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth and well combined. The batter will be thin.
6. Fill Cupcake Liners: Pour the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare Ganache: To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it’s just about to boil. Remove from heat and pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth.
10. Decorate Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, dip the tops into the chocolate ganache, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
11. Top with Strawberries: While the ganache is still wet, place a fresh strawberry on top of each cupcake. Allow the ganache to set for about 10-15 minutes.

These steps will guide you to create delicious and visually stunning Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes that are sure to impress!