Decadent Brownie Cups with Animal Cracker Crust

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Decadent Brownie Cups with Animal Cracker Crust.

1. Step 1

   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While it warms up, lightly grease 24 muffin cups to ensure your brownie cups come out easily after baking. This is a crucial step for that perfect presentation!

2. Step 2

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder, 3/4 cup of melted butter, vegetable oil, and 2 cups of white sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This is where the magic begins!

3. Step 3

   Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to create a rich and fluffy texture. Once all the eggs are in, add the vanilla extract with the last egg and give it a good mix.

4. Step 4

   Now, gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep that light and airy texture. If you're using walnuts, fold them in now, mixing just enough to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

5. Step 5

   In a separate bowl, combine the finely crushed animal cracker cookies, 1/3 cup of sugar, and 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until everything is well blended. This will form the delicious crust for your brownie cups!

6. Step 6

   Press the animal cracker mixture into the bottom of each prepared muffin cup, creating a nice base for your brownies. Then, pour the brownie batter over the crust, filling each cup about 3/4 full. This will give them room to rise without overflowing.

7. Step 7

   Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a brownie cup; it should come out clean when they're ready. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

8. Step 8

   Once baked, allow the brownie cups to cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin. Enjoy them warm or let them cool completely for a delightful treat later.