Coffee Brownie Delight (Print-Friendly Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Cupcakes

01 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - ½ cup unsalted butter
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - ⅓ cup cocoa powder
06 - ½ cup all-purpose flour
07 - ¼ cup milk
08 - 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
09 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ Coffee Buttercream

10 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 1–2 tablespoons milk
12 - 2 cups powdered sugar
13 - 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Turn your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get a muffin pan ready with cupcake liners.
02 - Warm butter on low heat in a medium pot until melted. Remove from heat and mix in sugar until it’s smooth.
03 - One at a time, beat the eggs in. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
04 - In another bowl, toss together the flour, espresso powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold this into the wet mixture until just blended.
05 - Mix in milk until everything feels smooth and fully combined.
06 - Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about two-thirds full.
07 - Pop the pan into the oven for 18-20 minutes. Check by sticking a toothpick in—a clean one means they’re done. Let the cupcakes cool down before you frost them.
08 - Whip the softened butter in a bowl until it’s fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar while beating, then mix in the espresso mixture and 1 tablespoon of milk. If it’s too thick, splash in another tablespoon of milk.
09 - Spread the coffee buttercream over the cooled cupcakes and dig in.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Sprinkle espresso powder or finely ground coffee on top to amp up the coffee flavor.
02 - Choose dark cocoa powder if you want a deeper, chocolatey taste.
03 - Store these in a sealed container at room temp for two days, or refrigerate if you need them to last longer. Serve them at room temperature.