Decadent Chocolate Butter Cupcakes with Rich Chocolate Glaze

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Decadent Chocolate Butter Cupcakes

1. Prepare the Oven and Cupcake Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent the cupcakes from sticking and to make them easy to remove after baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of the dry ingredients and helps avoid lumps in the batter.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of aromatic flavor.

5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Wet Ingredients:

Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

6. Add the Melted Chocolate:

Stir in the melted dark or semi-sweet chocolate until the batter is smooth and glossy. The melted chocolate adds a luxurious depth of flavor and helps create a soft, moist cupcake.

7. Add the Boiling Water:

Carefully pour the boiling water into the batter. This will thin out the mixture and make it smoother, allowing for a delicate crumb once baked. Mix until fully incorporated.

8. Fill the Cupcake Liners:

Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. This ensures the cupcakes rise nicely without overflowing.

9. Bake:

Bake the cupcakes for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overbaking.

10. Cool the Cupcakes:

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking to the liners and ensures they maintain their shape.

Making the Rich Chocolate Glaze

1. Melt the Chocolate:

In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate with the unsalted butter. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate and butter are fully melted and smooth.

2. Add Cream and Vanilla:

Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. This will create a smooth, glossy glaze that’s perfect for drizzling over the cupcakes.

3. Glaze the Cupcakes:

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, spoon or drizzle the warm chocolate glaze over the top of each cupcake. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Butter Cupcakes

• Use Good Quality Chocolate: The flavor of the cupcakes and glaze depends on the chocolate, so opt for high-quality dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate. The better the chocolate, the better the cupcakes!
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense cupcakes, so aim for a smooth, lump-free batter.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps the ingredients blend more easily, resulting in a lighter texture.
• Customizable Toppings: If you want to add an extra touch, top the cupcakes with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or even fresh berries to complement the richness of the chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

• For Parties: These cupcakes make a stunning addition to any dessert table. The glossy chocolate glaze and moist cake are sure to impress your guests.
• For a Cozy Afternoon: Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or milk for the ultimate sweet indulgence.
• For Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a casual treat, these cupcakes are perfect for celebrating any moment.

Conclusion

Decadent Chocolate Butter Cupcakes with Rich Chocolate Glaze are the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate lover. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep, luscious chocolate flavor, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit at any gathering. The rich chocolate glaze is the perfect finishing touch, adding an extra layer of decadence to this already fabulous treat. Make a batch today, and experience the joy of baking (and eating) these irresistible cupcakes!