Brownie Cupcakes Recipe

The Best Brownie Cupcakes Recipe: Fudgy Bites of Heaven

Magical brownie cupcakes blend decadent chocolate with incredible texture that melts in your mouth.

Rich cocoa transforms simple desserts into extraordinary treats.

Sweet chocolate lovers understand these compact delights satisfy deep cravings instantly.

Compact yet intensely flavorful, each miniature cake delivers pure indulgence.

Small batch baking means you can whip up these delectable morsels without complicated techniques.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps guarantee success for even novice bakers.

Dive into this delightful recipe and create something spectacular that will impress everyone at the table.

Why Brownie Cupcakes Are So Irresistible

  • Boost Your Baking Skills: Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, this chocolate cupcake recipe offers a straightforward method that builds confidence in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Chocolate Delight: Packed with double chocolate goodness through chocolate chips and syrup, these cupcakes guarantee smiles and satisfaction for chocolate lovers of all ages.
  • Versatile Treat for Every Occasion: Ideal for birthday parties, potlucks, school events, or simply as a weekend family dessert, these cupcakes adapt to any gathering with their universal appeal.
  • Minimal Cleanup Cooking: Using just two bowls and simple mixing techniques, this recipe minimizes kitchen mess and reduces post-baking cleanup time, making it a stress-free baking experience.

What You’ll Need To Make Brownie Cupcakes

For the Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that provides structure and texture to the cupcakes.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the batter.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create sweetness and help with moisture and caramelization.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cupcakes' structure.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the cupcakes.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic background flavor.
For the Mix-Ins and Toppings:
  • Chocolate Chips, Chopped Dark Chocolate: Add extra chocolate bursts and texture throughout the cupcakes.
  • Chocolate Syrup: Creates delicious chocolate swirls and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar, Chocolate Ganache: Optional toppings for added sweetness and decadence.

How To Whip Up Brownie Cupcakes With Ease

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cute cupcake liners, spacing them evenly for perfect baking results.

Step 2: Mix Dry Magic

In a spacious mixing bowl, sift together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and clump-free.

Step 3: Whip Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until they’re well combined. Then add:
  • Melted butter
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until everything looks beautifully blended.

Step 4: Combine With Care

Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring softly to keep the batter light and fluffy.

Step 5: Chocolate Explosion

Fold in chocolate goodness:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Chopped dark chocolate

Distribute evenly for maximum chocolate joy.

Step 6: Swirl Chocolate Surprise

Drizzle chocolate syrup into the batter, creating delightful chocolate swirls.

Step 7: Fill The Liners

Spoon batter into muffin liners, filling each about two-thirds full to give cupcakes room to rise.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – a few moist crumbs are perfect.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let cupcakes rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 10: Final Flourish

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent touch.

Great Tips For Perfect Brownie Cupcakes

  • Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate proportions, which are crucial for achieving the perfect cupcake texture and flavor.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir the batter gently and minimally to keep the cupcakes light and tender, stopping as soon as the dry and wet ingredients are just combined.
  • Control Chocolate Distribution: Toss chocolate chips in a bit of flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick at a slight angle near the center of a cupcake; a few moist crumbs indicate perfectly baked cupcakes, while a completely clean toothpick suggests overbaking.

Ways To Mix Up Your Brownie Cupcakes

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same rich chocolate flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Chocolate Delight: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and opt for dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version.
  • Nutty Chocolate Indulgence: Incorporate chopped almonds or walnuts into the batter for added crunch and nutty depth, creating a textural contrast to the soft chocolate cupcakes.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Option: Replace granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cupcakes' decadent chocolate essence.

What To Pair With Brownie Cupcakes

  • Pair Chocolate with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich chocolate notes, enhancing the cupcakes' deep flavor profile.
  • Create Creamy Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a smooth cappuccino or dark roast espresso, which cuts through the sweetness and highlights the chocolate's intensity.
  • Match with Fruity Raspberry Sauce: Drizzle a tangy homemade raspberry coulis over the cupcakes, providing a bright, tart contrast to the dense chocolate base.
  • Elevate with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, creating a decadent temperature and flavor contrast that melts beautifully with the warm cupcake.

Keeping Brownie Cupcakes Fresh And Fudgy

  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping them fresh and moist by placing a paper towel on top to absorb excess moisture.
  • Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, preserving their rich chocolate flavor and soft texture.
  • Keep uncovered cupcakes at room temperature for 1-2 days in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight, maintaining their delicate crumb and taste.
  • Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore their just-baked warmth and softness.

Answers To Brownie Cupcake Questions

  • What makes these chocolate cupcakes different from other recipes?

These cupcakes feature a unique combination of melted butter, vegetable oil, and chocolate syrup, creating a richer and more complex flavor profile than traditional chocolate cupcake recipes.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

Yes, you can replace vegetable oil with canola oil, use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of a mix, and swap brown sugar with white sugar if needed. Just maintain similar measurements.

  • How do I ensure my cupcakes are moist and not dry?

Avoid overmixing the batter, use room temperature eggs, and don’t overbake. Check doneness with a toothpick at 18 minutes, looking for a few moist crumbs to indicate perfect moisture.

  • Are these cupcakes good for beginners to bake?

Absolutely!

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Brownie Cupcakes Recipe

Brownie Cupcakes Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent brownie cupcakes blend rich chocolate and moist cake textures into a single, irresistible treat. Chocolate enthusiasts will savor each delectable bite of these miniature desserts that promise pure bliss in every mouthful.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Base:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Add-ins:

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate
  • 2 tbsp chocolate syrup

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners, ensuring even spacing for uniform baking.
  2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl, creating a smooth, lump-free dry mixture.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until well combined, then incorporate melted butter, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, blending until the wet ingredients form a cohesive mixture.
  4. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to prevent overmixing and maintain a light, airy texture.
  5. Gently fold in chocolate chips and chopped dark chocolate, distributing them evenly throughout the batter to ensure consistent chocolate flavor in each cupcake.
  6. Drizzle chocolate syrup into the batter, creating subtle swirls and additional chocolate intensity.
  7. Carefully spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about 2/3 full to allow room for rising during baking.
  8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or top with chocolate ganache for an extra decadent finish.

Notes

  • Prevent dry cupcakes by using room temperature ingredients, which blend more smoothly and create a more tender texture.
  • Customize chocolate intensity by experimenting with different chocolate chip varieties like milk, dark, or semi-sweet for unique flavor profiles.
  • Achieve gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurement proportions.
  • Control portion sizes and calorie intake by using mini muffin tins, creating bite-sized brownie cupcakes perfect for portion-controlled desserts.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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