Brownie Cupcakes

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Brownie Cupcakes
4. How To Serve Brownie Cupcakes
5. Why You'll Love This Recipe for Brownie Cupcakes
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. JUMP TO RECIPE

Crackly on top and rich inside, these brownie cupcakes bring the best of both worlds into one easy treat. You get the chewy bite of brownies and the sweet look of cupcakes in every batch. Plus, they bake in just twenty minutes and always come out soft, fudgy, and super chocolatey. Serve them warm or chill them—either way, they disappear fast.

This recipe is easy to make and walks you through every step from start to finish. Follow our guide with step-by-step photos and directions for the best results. We also include pro tips, helpful tricks, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.

You can whip up these rich and fudgy brownie cupcakes in just forty minutes. Let them cool, frost, and enjoy! They bake up with crisp tops, gooey centers, and the perfect amount of chocolate in every bite.

These are perfect for birthday parties, bake sales, or quick weeknight desserts everyone will love. They look like cupcakes but taste like brownies, so you get the best of both!

What you'll need to make this easy brownie cupcake recipe:

For The Brownie Cupcakes:

• ½ cup of butter, salted
• 4 ounces of unsweetened chocolate baking bar 
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• ½ cup of light brown sugar packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract
• ½ cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips

For The Ganache Frosting:

• 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips 
• 1½ cups of heavy whipping cream

Change up the flavor and make your cupcakes uniquely yours. Here are some of our reader's top substitutions and additions ideas:

• Substitute Chocolate Chips: Use white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or caramel bits to switch up the flavor in every bite.
• Add Chopped Nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and texture in your brownie cupcakes.
• Add Sprinkles: Mix colorful sprinkles into the batter or on top for a fun and festive look, perfect for birthdays.
• Substitute Frosting: Instead of the chocolate buttercream we use in our recipe, you can try our cream cheese frosting or a lighter Cool Whip frosting to contrast the rich brownie cupcake.

Follow along with our step-by-step pictures and directions to make these fun and easy fudge brownies in a cupcake pan at home. Check out the helpful tips and tricks below, so everything turns out just right. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with paper cupcake liners.

SECOND STEP: In a medium bowl, melt the butter and the chopped unsweetened chocolate bar together in 30-second increments, stirring between, until fully melted.

THIRD STEP: Stir the white sugar and brown sugar into the melted chocolate mixture.

FOURTH STEP: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixing bowl and stir to combine.

FIFTH STEP: Add the flour to the wet batter and store until incorporated.

SIXTH STEP: Fold in one cup of chocolate chips.

SEVENTH STEP: Divide batter between ten muffin cups.

EIGHTH STEP: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the brownies comes out with just a few crumbs.

NINTH STEP: Cool the brownie cupcakes completely.

TENTH STEP: When the cupcakes are cooled, prepare the ganache frosting.

ELEVENTH STEP: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan or a heatproof bowl until steaming. Pour the cream over the semisweet chocolate chips in a large bowl.

Cover with a plate for two to three minutes to contain the heat and allow the chocolate chips to soften.

TWELFTH STEP: Whisk until the mixture forms a smooth, glossy ganache. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the ganache is firm all the way through.

THIRTEENTH STEP: With an electric mixer, beat the firmed ganache until it is fluffy and forms stiff peaks.

FOURTEENTH STEP: Pipe the chocolate frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. 

You can serve these easy brownie cupcakes all year round for all kinds of fun celebrations. They’re great for kids, but adults love them too!

• Serve at birthday parties: These brownie cupcakes bring chocolatey fun to every birthday table. Kids love the fudgy centers and cute cupcake shape. Pair them with chocolate chip cookie ice cream or peanut butter dream bars for a sweet treat table.
• Make them for holiday desserts: They work great for Christmas, Halloween, or Valentine’s Day with fun sprinkles or themed cupcake liners. Add Greek yogurt bark or red velvet cookies for a full holiday dessert spread.
• Use for school or bake sale treats: Bake a double batch and hand them out at school or local events. They’re easy to transport and always a hit. Try serving them with no bake cookies or rice krispie treats for an easy-to-share dessert box.

Homemade brownie cupcakes have become a favorite treat for good reason. They’re quick, fun to make, and turn out great every time. Readers love how easy they are to customize, share, and bake—without needing fancy tools or ingredients.

• Easy to Make: You only need pantry staples and forty minutes to get rich, chocolatey cupcakes in the oven.
• Perfect Texture: Each one has a crisp brownie top and a soft, gooey middle that keeps everyone coming back.
• Kid-Approved: Kids love the cupcake look, and parents love how fast they come together on busy nights.
• Custom-Friendly: You can mix in nuts, candy, or sprinkles to make each batch your own.
• Party Ready: These work great for holidays, birthdays, or bake sales without much fuss or cleanup.

Chocolate fudge brownie cupcakes are simple, fun, and always a crowd favorite—no matter the occasion!

How do I know when brownie cupcakes are done baking?
Brownie cupcakes are done when the tops crack and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

How do I prevent my cupcakes from sinking in the middle?
Your cupcakes may sink if you underbake them or if the oven temperature runs too high or too low.

What type of chocolate works best in these brownie cupcakes?
Use high-quality unsweetened baking chocolate. It melts smoothly and gives your cupcakes rich, chocolatey flavor.

Do I need to use a muffin liner for brownie cupcakes?
Yes, use cupcake liners for easy removal and cleanup. Brownie cupcakes stick to the pan without liners.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, you can double the brownie cupcake recipe.

How full should I fill the cupcake liners?
Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full. This helps brownie cupcakes rise without spilling over the top.

Do I need to sift the dry ingredients first?
No, you don’t need to sift for this recipe. Just whisk the dry ingredients well to break up any lumps.

Why do my brownie cupcakes come out dry?
Dry brownie cupcakes usually mean you overbaked them. Always check early and pull them once the tops look set.

What’s the best way to serve brownie cupcakes at a party?
Place them on a tiered dessert tray or colorful platter to make them easy to grab and fun to serve.

Can I serve brownie cupcakes with toppings?
Yes, add whipped cream, sprinkles, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup right before serving for a fun and tasty upgrade.

Should I serve brownie cupcakes warm or at room temperature?
Serve brownie cupcakes at room temperature so the fudgy centers set just right and stay easy to handle.

Are brownie cupcakes good for bake sales or school events?
Yes, brownie cupcakes are perfect for bake sales because they’re easy to wrap, carry, and share with little mess.

How can I dress up brownie cupcakes for holidays or birthdays?
Decorate with themed sprinkles, cupcake liners, or mini flags to match any special occasion or holiday.

Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below to keep your brownie cupcakes soft, rich, and fresh. Whether you make them ahead or have a few extras, these easy storage tips will help you enjoy every bite later.

Can I make brownie cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, bake a day early. Let them cool fully, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

What’s the best way to store leftover brownie cupcakes?
Store leftover brownie cupcakes in a sealed container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to five days. If the weather is warm it's best to refrigerate your cupcakes.

Can I freeze brownie cupcakes?
Yes! Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.

How do I thaw frozen brownie cupcakes?
Move frozen cupcakes to the counter and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat brownie cupcakes?
For a warm cupcake, heat in the microwave for ten to fifteen seconds. Don’t overheat or they’ll dry out.

Can I reheat brownie cupcakes in the oven?
Yes, reheat them in the oven at 300°F for five to seven minutes. This warms them evenly without drying them out.