Chocolate cupcakes just got easier with this small batch eggless recipe! Fluffy and moist cupcakes with easy ingredients and ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for smaller celebrations, holidays, or a cozy night in.
Preheat the oven to 350F degrees and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Line a muffin pan with 6 cupcake liners.
In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. If the cocoa powder is lumpy, sift it through a fine mesh strainer set over the bowl. Give the dry ingredients a quick mix to combine. See the Notes below to use a stand mixer or hand mixer.
2/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch process, 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add the butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium-high speed until the butter is broken up and the mix resembles coarse sand. This reverse-creaming method yields light and fluffy cupcakes.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature and cut into cubes
In a liquid measuring cup, measure the milk, then add the oil, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix to combine.
Turn the mixer on low speed. Slowly drizzle the wet ingredients, along with the hot coffee/water, into the dry until incorporated and no dry streaks remain. It is ok if the batter is a little lumpy.
3 tablespoons medium brew coffee, very hot
Pour equal amounts of batter into the prepared cupcake liners. Tip – Use a small cookie scoop to help with portioning and less mess! Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until they are springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Cool the cupcakes in the pan set on a wire cooling rack for 5 minutes. Then transfer the cupcakes to the wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Serving Size - This is a small batch recipe that can easily be doubled.
Stand Mixer vs Hand Mixer - Since this is a small batch batter, I recommend a smaller mixing bowl to mix the batter evenly. To use your tilt-head stand mixer with standard attachments, I link the mixing bowl above. Otherwise, a hand mixer and medium mixing bowl will work fine.
Cocoa Powder - I prefer Dutch process cocoa because it is less acidic and has a stronger flavor. To swap natural cocoa, you will need to add baking soda. Use 1/3 teaspoon baking powder + 1/8 teaspoon baking soda.
Storage - Unfrosted cupcakes can be stored covered at room temperature for 3 to 5 days. To freeze: wrap individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator then bring to room temp to frost and serve.