If you’ve ever craved a chocolate treat but didn’t want to commit to a huge pan of brownies, this Small Batch Brownies Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect way to satisfy that sweet tooth with just enough rich, fudgy goodness for a cozy night in or an intimate gathering. Each bite offers a decadent balance of deep cocoa flavor, a tender crumb, and a touch of sweetness, making these brownies feel like a special indulgence without any leftover temptation. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without a small batch option that’s so quick, simple, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this recipe is how straightforward and approachable the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect brownie texture and flavor – from the richness of melted butter to the slight tang of cocoa powder.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides the luscious base and moist texture that brownies are famous for.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that shiny, crackly top.
- 1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients together and adds structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Gives the brownies their soft yet sturdy body.
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers rich, deep chocolate taste without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the cocoa.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a little lift and lightness to the brownies.
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional): Creates pockets of melty chocolate for extra indulgence.
How to Make Small Batch Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, line a small baking dish or loaf pan with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but makes lifting your brownies out super easy once they’re baked and cooled.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. This step is key to getting that lovely brownie crust. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully combined and silky.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Time to bring in the dry components. Sprinkle in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Stir gently just until you no longer see dry streaks of flour. Overmixing can toughen brownies, so be gentle here. If you’re feeling extra decadent, fold in the chocolate chips for gooey pockets of chocolate throughout.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread your batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll want to watch closely near the end: the edges should be set, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs — this ensures a wonderfully fudgy interior.
Step 5: Cool Before Enjoying
Patience is a virtue here! Let your brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This allows them to set up nicely, making it easier to cut perfect squares that hold together without crumbling.
How to Serve Small Batch Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your small batch brownies by sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a simple yet elegant touch. For an indulgent finish, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle caramel sauce right before serving—these little extras elevate the experience perfectly.
Side Dishes
Brownies love good company. Pair your small batch brownies with fresh berries to balance their richness or serve alongside a cup of robust coffee or creamy hot chocolate for a cozy treat that’s hard to beat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two brownie squares with a layer of peanut butter or marshmallow fluff to create mini brownie sandwiches. Alternatively, cut them into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a decorative platter for a party-ready dessert display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (not that they usually last long!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the brownies fresh and soft without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies for up to two months with ease. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Reheating
To bring out that just-baked warmth and softness, pop a brownie in the microwave for about 15 seconds or reheat in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This trick makes even day-old brownies taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use cocoa powder substitutes in this Small Batch Brownies Recipe?
While natural unsweetened cocoa powder is best for the true chocolate flavor, Dutch-processed cocoa can be used as well—it will yield a slightly different taste and darker color. Just make sure it’s unsweetened for the right balance.
How can I make these brownies fudgier?
For extra fudgy brownies, try baking them a minute or two less than recommended. Pull them out when the edges are set but the center still looks a bit soft and undercooked. They will firm up as they cool but remain delectably moist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The standard Small Batch Brownies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend 1:1 to make them gluten-free. Just look for blends designed for baking to maintain texture.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit can bring wonderful textures and flavors. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips before baking to evenly distribute their crunch and taste.
What pan size works best for this recipe?
A small baking dish or a loaf pan around 8×4 inches is ideal. It’s perfect for the batter volume and allows the brownies to bake evenly, ensuring that fudgy yet set texture every time.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about enjoying a freshly baked batch of brownies, especially when they’re just the right size to avoid waste and temptation. This Small Batch Brownies Recipe is a treasure for anyone craving that perfect balance of fudgy richness and simplicity without turning on the oven for a large batch. I’m excited for you to try it and make it your go-to sweet treat for those moments when you want a little chocolate joy without overdoing it.
Print
Small Batch Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Small Batch Brownies recipe makes a perfect decadent treat for two or a small group. With a fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor, these brownies come together quickly using simple pantry ingredients. Optional chocolate chips add extra gooeyness, while easy variations like nuts or peanut butter swirls let you customize each batch. Ideal for when you want freshly baked brownies without the leftovers.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Optional
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a small baking dish or loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy, which helps dissolve the sugar and create a tender crumb.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, which adds moisture and richness to the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder just until no dry streaks remain, being careful not to overmix to maintain chewy texture.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for extra melty bites.
- Spread Batter: Evenly spread the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.
- Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating fudgy brownies.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing to ensure clean cuts and optimal texture.
Notes
- For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake by checking for moist crumbs earlier than 25 minutes.
- Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Try swirling in a tablespoon of peanut butter before baking for a delicious variation.
- Use parchment paper lining to easily lift brownies out of the pan without breaking.
