Preheat your oven to 350°F and prep your mini cupcake pans with liners and a light coating of non-stick spray.

Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugars in a large bowl until well mixed.

In a separate bowl, whisk the oil, vanilla extract, milk, and eggs until they're fully combined.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with an electric mixer on medium speed just until blended.

Carefully add the hot water and mix until the batter is smooth and uniform.

Fill each cupcake liner slightly more than halfway with batter and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Cool the cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.