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If you’re looking for a fun dessert option that’s both easy and delicious, this easy mini cupcake recipe is just what you need. These mini chocolate cupcakes are rich, moist, and topped with a decadent chocolate buttercream frosting. Whether you’re making them for birthday parties, a holiday gathering, or just because, these bite-sized mini cupcakes will be a hit!
This full recipe makes about 72 mini desserts, so it’s great for sharing! Everyone will love this bite-sized treat! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this classic cupcake recipe will quickly become a favorite in your collection. If you try it, don’t forget to save this recipe card and share it with your friends. Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious little bites of chocolate goodness
- Quick bake time of just 10-12 minutes
- Uses simple pantry staples, so there is no need for a box of cake mix
- Perfect for decorating with rainbow sprinkles or even fresh raspberries
- Can be easily adapted into red velvet cupcakes or mini lemon cupcakes
Chocolate Mini Cupcake – Complete List of Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 2 cups purpose flour (or cake flour for a better texture)
- 2 cups sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer taste)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup water
- 2 eggs (or egg whites for a lighter texture)
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- Colorful sprinkles, to decorate
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a mini muffin tin with mini cupcake liners and set aside.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Using the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix the wet ingredients: vegetable oil, milk, water, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing at low speed until combined. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.
2. Bake the Mini Cupcakes
Using a measuring cup, scoop about a tablespoon of batter into each lined cavity of the mini cupcake pan. Fill them only halfway to prevent overflowing.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an oven thermometer handy for best results. Let the little cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
3. Make the Frosting
In the medium bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and cocoa powder on medium speed until smooth. Add half the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
Add the vanilla, milk, and the remaining powdered sugar. Increase to high speed and whip for about a minute until light and fluffy.
4. Decorate Your Cupcakes
Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe a swirl of vanilla buttercream frosting onto each cupcake. Top with colorful sprinkles for extra fun!
Tips for the Best Mini Chocolate Cupcakes
- Use room temperature ingredients for a fluffy cupcake texture.
- A kitchen scale ensures precise measurements for a better texture.
- Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Wrap unfrosted cupcakes in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- For an extra twist, add a small amount of sour cream to the batter.
Variations and Substitutions
- Want regular cupcakes? Simply increase the bake time to 18-20 minutes.
- Make funfetti cupcakes by adding food coloring and sprinkles to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
These delicious cupcakes are perfect for birthday parties, holidays, or as a quick treat. Pair them with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for an indulgent snack!
Baking Tools:
Chocolate Mini Cupcake Recipe
This Chocolate Mini Cupcake recipe is perfect for birthday parties, holidays, or as a quick treat. It's from scratch and makes 72 cupcakes!
Ingredients
Chocolate Cupcake Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour (or cake flour for a better texture)
- 2 cups sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer taste)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup water
- 2 eggs (or egg whites for a lighter texture)
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- Colorful sprinkles, to decorate
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a mini muffin tin with mini cupcake liners and set aside.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Using the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix the wet ingredients: vegetable oil, milk, water, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing at low speed until combined. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.
2. Bake the Mini Cupcakes
Using a measuring cup, scoop about a tablespoon of batter into each lined cavity of the mini cupcake pan. Fill them only halfway to prevent overflowing.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an oven thermometer handy for best results. Let the little cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
3. Make the Frosting
In the medium bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and cocoa powder on medium speed until smooth. Add half the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
Add the vanilla, milk, and the remaining powdered sugar. Increase to high speed and whip for about a minute until light and fluffy.
4. Decorate Your Cupcakes
Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe a swirl of vanilla buttercream frosting onto each cupcake. Top with colorful sprinkles for extra fun!