Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.
In another bowl, combine the oil, hot water, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.
Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Place the cupcake tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.