Ingredients

  • Vegetable-oil cooking spray
  • 4 sticks unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 8 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-process)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 8 large eggs
  • Confectioners sugar (optional)
  • Special equipment: minimuffin tins and about 72 (1- by 1-inch) waxed paper liners

Method

  • Preheat oven to 350F and line minimuffin tins with liners.
  • Spray liners with cooking spray.
  • Melt butter and chocolate in a 4-quart heavy pot over moderately low heat, stirring until smooth.
  • Whisk together flour, cocoa, and salt.
  • Remove pan from heat and whisk in granulated sugar.
  • Add eggs, 1 at a time, whisking after each addition until incorporated, and stir in flour mixture just until blended.
  • Spoon batter into muffin liners, filling cups to top, and bake in middle of oven 25 to 30 minutes, or until a tester comes out with crumbs adhering.
  • Cool 5 minutes in tins and turn out onto racks.
  • Repeat with remaining batter.
  • Dust with confectioners sugar if desired.