When the craving for something rich, chocolatey, and utterly indulgent strikes, you don’t need to commit to a full tray of brownies. This small batch brownies recipe is here to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things simple and portion-controlled. Perfect for a cozy dessert-for-two or a personal treat, these brownies offer all the fudgy goodness of a classic recipe with none of the leftovers.
In this guide, you’ll discover not just how to make these delectable brownies but also tips, tricks, and variations to make them uniquely yours. Let’s dive into this chocolate lover’s dream!
Why We Love These Small Batch Brownies
Small batch brownies hit the sweet spot for several reasons:
Quick Preparation: One of the best things about small batch brownies is how quickly they come together. With just a handful of basic ingredients and minimal equipment, you can have a warm, freshly baked treat in under an hour. Unlike more complex recipes, there’s no need for extra steps or special tools—just melt, mix, bake, and you’re ready to enjoy. The simplicity of preparation makes them perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings.
Perfect Portion Size: This recipe is all about balance, providing the ideal portion size for one or two people. It’s designed to eliminate the stress of leftovers, which is especially helpful when you’re baking for yourself or a small group. There’s no need to worry about storing or finishing an entire pan, which means these brownies are always fresh and ready to be devoured at the moment.
Versatile Add-Ons: Small batch brownies offer endless opportunities for customization. Whether you like them classic or with a twist, you can easily personalize the recipe by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans or incorporating flavored extracts such as almonds or mint. Want to go the extra mile? Try drizzling caramel or peanut butter over the batter before baking, or folding in a handful of white chocolate chips for a fun contrast. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s flexible enough to match whatever flavor profile you’re craving, making every batch a unique experience.
Rich Flavor: These brownies do not skimp on decadence. Every bite is packed with a rich, fudgy texture and a deep chocolate flavor that satisfies even the most intense sweet tooth. The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and cocoa powder ensures that each bite is full of chocolatey goodness, while the slightly gooey texture adds to the indulgence. These brownies embody everything a brownie should be—decadent, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients for Small Batch Brownies
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients for Small Batch Brownies, along with tips for each:
Unsalted Butter – Adds flavor and moisture to your brownies. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by half to maintain balance.
Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and moisture. White granulated sugar is key for the right texture. Substituting with brown sugar will add a slight molasses flavor and make the brownies a bit denser.
Light Brown Sugar – Brings a soft, caramel-like sweetness to the brownies, enhancing their fudgy texture. It cannot be replaced with dark brown sugar, which would result in a stronger molasses flavor.
All-Purpose Flour – The main structure-building ingredient in your brownies. Don’t substitute with cake flour or self-rising flour as it may affect the texture and rise of your brownies.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – The key to getting that deep, rich chocolate flavor. Do not substitute with sweetened cocoa powder, as it could make your brownies too sweet.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Add pockets of melty chocolate goodness throughout the brownies. You can substitute with milk chocolate chips for a sweeter option or dark chocolate for a richer taste.
How to Make Small Batch Brownies
Creating these brownies is a straightforward process that yields incredible results:
- Prep the Pan: Start by lining a 9×5-inch or 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhangs for easy removal. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt and Mix: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Mix the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring the mixture is fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently mix in the salt, flour, and cocoa powder. Stir just until no streaks remain.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: For added texture and flavor, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 23-28 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into them. These brownies are delicious whether served warm or at room temperature.
Expert Tips for the Best Small Batch Brownies
Follow these tips to make sure your brownies turn out perfect each time:
Room-Temperature Egg: A room-temperature egg blends more easily, creating a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour and cocoa powder, mix just until combined to avoid dense brownies.
Check Early: Ovens vary, so start checking your brownies a few minutes before the minimum baking time.
Customize Your Texture: If you like gooier brownies, pull them out as soon as the toothpick has moist crumbs. If you prefer a firmer texture, extend the baking time slightly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the simplest recipes can go awry. Here’s how to sidestep common pitfalls:
Skipping the Parchment Paper: Without it, removing the brownies from the pan can be a messy ordeal.
Cold Ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can make the batter lumpy and uneven.
Overbaking: Remember, brownies continue to cook slightly as they cool.
Variations to Try for Small Batch Brownies
Small batch brownies are endlessly versatile. Here are some ideas to shake things up:
- Nut Lovers’ Delight: Stir in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Extra Decadence: Drizzle caramel or peanut butter over the batter before baking.
- Minty Fresh: Add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
- Double Chocolate: Mix in white chocolate chunks for contrast.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are delightful on their own, but here’s how you can elevate them:
A La Mode
For a decadent twist, serve your brownies warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The creamy, cold ice cream paired with the rich, fudgy brownies creates the perfect contrast of textures and temperatures. You can even drizzle a little chocolate or caramel sauce over the ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Dusted
Sometimes simplicity is the key to elegance. Lightly dust your brownies with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a refined touch. This simple addition adds a subtle sweetness and makes the brownies look as good as they taste. You can also try a combination of both powders for a visually stunning effect.
Drizzled
Take your brownies up a notch with a finishing touch of chocolate or caramel sauce. A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce adds a velvety richness, while caramel sauce brings a sweet, buttery contrast. Both options complement the deep chocolate flavor of the brownies beautifully, adding an extra layer of indulgence that is sure to please any dessert lover.
How to Store Small Batch Brownies
Storing your brownies correctly helps maintain their freshness and flavor:
At Room Temperature
If you’re planning to enjoy your small batch brownies within a few days, storing them at room temperature is the easiest and most effective option. Simply place your brownies in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Keep them in a cool, dry spot, and they’ll stay fresh and fudgy for up to 4 days. Just be sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them in the container to avoid any condensation that might affect their texture.
In the Freezer
For longer storage, freezing is the best way to preserve the freshness and flavor of your small batch brownies. To do so, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Using this method, your brownies will stay fresh for up to two months. Freezing also makes it easy to grab a single brownie when you’re in the mood for a treat without having to defrost the entire batch.
FAQ: Small Batch Brownies
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch pan. Adjust the baking time slightly.
What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips?
You can substitute with dark chocolate chunks, milk chocolate, or even chopped chocolate bars.
How do I make my brownies extra fudgy?
Reduce the flour slightly or add an extra tablespoon of butter for a denser texture.
Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?
Yes, but it may yield a slightly richer flavor. Adjust sweetness if needed.
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Small batch brownies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prep the Pan: Line a 9×5-inch or 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt and Mix: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then mix in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently mix in the salt, flour, and cocoa powder until no streaks remain.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 23-28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting into them. They’re delicious warm or at room temperature.