These Heavenly Brownie Cupcakes combine the fudgy richness of brownies with the soft, light texture of cupcakes. Perfect for any chocolate lover, these cupcakes are easy to make and bake up quickly for a decadent treat that’s ideal for any occasion. The combination of cocoa powder and a rich, buttery base creates a moist, dense, and indulgent bite every time.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9 inch pan or line it with cupcake liners.
- In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Beat in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan or fill cupcake liners evenly with the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 cupcakes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Frosting: Add a layer of chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting on top for extra richness.
- Add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, nuts, or swirl in caramel for added flavor and texture.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free butter.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
10 FAQs
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
- Yes, but be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid the brownies becoming too salty.
- Can I use cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate?
- Yes, cocoa powder works great in this recipe for a rich chocolate flavor without needing melted chocolate.
- Why are my brownies dry?
- Overbaking or using too much flour can lead to dry brownies. Make sure to measure your flour correctly and don’t overbake.
- Can I make these brownies in a different size pan?
- Yes, if you use a different pan size, adjust the baking time. Smaller pans will need a shorter baking time, while larger pans will need longer.
- Can I freeze brownie cupcakes?
- Yes, allow the brownies to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Why are my brownies not rising?
- Make sure your baking powder is fresh and that you’re not overmixing the batter, which can cause the brownies to become dense.
- Can I add more sugar for sweeter brownies?
- Yes, you can increase the sugar by up to 1/4 cup if you prefer sweeter brownies.
- What can I use if I don’t have cocoa powder?
- If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can use melted unsweetened chocolate (about 3 tablespoons of melted chocolate for every 1/4 cup of cocoa powder).
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- You can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser and the flavor slightly nuttier.
- Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before putting it in the oven.
Conclusion
Heavenly Brownie Cupcakes are the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers looking for something easy and delicious. With their rich, fudgy texture and simple ingredients, they make the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain or topped with frosting, these brownies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Give this recipe a try and indulge in the perfect chocolatey bite!