Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pan with liners.

Step 2

Beat butter & sugar together until light in color and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, gently beating until blended.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, mix vanilla, water and cocoa powder and mix until smooth. Mixture will be a pudding-like consistency. Add chocolate mixture to batter. Mix until combined.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the batter, beginning with flour.

Step 5

Fill cupcake lines and bake for 15-17 minutes or until a toothpick is entered and removed with a few crumbs.

Step 6

Allow cupcakes to cool. Transfer to wire rack to finish cooling.

Step 7

For the frosting: Using a mixer, beat butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, cocoa, pretzel crumbs, vanilla and milk. Mix until smooth.

Step 8

For the drizzle: Heat the heavy cream until it almost boils, then pour it over the chocolate chips in a glass or heat-safe bowl. Allow cream to melt chocolate for a few minutes, then whisk until smooth. Cool slightly and place in a piping bag or squeeze bottle to drizzle over the cupcakes.