1-Gathering Your Tools and Ingredients: Before you start, make sure you have a muffin tin, cupcake liners, bowls for mixing, and a whisk on hand. Preheat your oven to 350ºF and line the muffin tin to avoid any sticking issues. This sets the stage for smooth baking and helps everything come together easily.

2-First, in a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon table salt until well combined. This dry mix is the base that gives the cupcakes their structure. In a medium bowl, whisk 1 large egg with ½ cup packed brown sugar and ½ cup sugar until they’re fully mixed and a bit fluffy.

3-Next, add ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk, ⅓ cup strong coffee or espresso, and ½ cup melted butter to the egg mixture, whisking until everything blends smoothly. This step brings in moisture and deep flavor, making the batter rich and inviting. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ones, whisking just until combined to keep the texture light and airy.

4-Baking and Cooling: Divide the batter evenly among 12 cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full to prevent overflow. Bake for 15-21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5-For the frosting, gently melt 6 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave, stirring often until smooth. Heat ¾ cup heavy cream until hot, mix it with the melted chocolate, and let it cool until just warm. Whisk in 3 tablespoons butter until the mixture is glossy and smooth, then let it sit until it’s easy to spread or pipe.

6-Finally, frost the cooled cupcakes with a piping bag or knife and add 1 cup milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips as garnish if you like. This whole process is simple yet rewarding, perfect for busy parents or working professionals. As a tip, always measure ingredients accurately and bring refrigerated ones to room temperature for better results.