If you’re craving a rich, fudgy treat but don’t want to end up with a mountain of leftovers, these Small Batch Brownies are your dream come true. They deliver all the chocolatey decadence of your favorite brownie recipe in just the right amount—perfect for a cozy night in, a spontaneous dessert, or sharing a few irresistible squares with a friend. You’ll love how easy they are to whip up, and every bite balances gooey chocolate with a delicately crackly top. Whether you’re baking for two, a small group, or just treating yourself, this is the go-to recipe for when you want brownies, stat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Small Batch Brownies is that they call for just a handful of simple, kitchen-staple ingredients. Each one is important, contributing not just to flavor but to the irresistible texture and luscious color of the brownies. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Unsalted Butter, melted: Adds richness and helps achieve that perfect, chewy texture that makes brownies so delightful.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create that signature shiny, crackly top.
- Large Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture for a tender crumb.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and gives warmth and depth.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure, keeping the brownies from being too gooey or too cakey.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The heart of the chocolate flavor—use a good-quality cocoa for best results.
- Salt: Just a pinch wakes up the chocolate and balances sweetness.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Stirred in for pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Small Batch Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by setting your oven to 325°F so it’s ready for action. Lightly grease a 6×6-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper—this little trick makes lifting out the brownies a breeze and keeps them from sticking.
Step 2: Combine Butter and Sugar
In a medium bowl, whisk together your melted butter and granulated sugar. You want them to come together smoothly, almost looking creamy—this step sets the foundation for that shiny crust everyone loves in Small Batch Brownies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next up, mix in the large egg and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined and the mixture looks glossy. This ensures your brownies will have structure but still remain incredibly moist.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now, sift in your all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt right into the wet mixture. Folding instead of whisking is key here—stir gently just until you see no more dry streaks. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, so keep it gentle for that perfect chewy texture that defines Small Batch Brownies.
Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and give the batter one last gentle stir. The chips will melt slightly as the brownies bake, giving you those delightful chocolate pools in every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out with a spatula until even. Slide it into the oven and bake for 20–24 minutes. Watch for the center to set and test with a toothpick—a few moist crumbs clinging to it is exactly what you want for extra fudgy results. Let your brownies cool in the pan before slicing into neat squares.
How to Serve Small Batch Brownies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before baking takes these brownies into gourmet territory. You can also dust them with powdered sugar, drizzle with a little melted chocolate, or add a few extra chocolate chips on top for that eye-popping finish.
Side Dishes
Small Batch Brownies are pure joy all on their own, but they’re also fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a handful of fresh berries. Serve alongside a steaming mug of coffee or cold glass of milk for the ultimate dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your brownies into fun shapes with cookie cutters, stack them in a mini tower with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or serve on a fancy platter with fresh fruit for a more elevated look. Small Batch Brownies also shine nestled into small gift boxes for heartfelt edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, store Small Batch Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay incredibly moist and fresh for up to three days—just keep them out of direct sunlight or warm spots.
Freezing
Brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When that next chocolate craving hits, just thaw at room temp for an hour or so—their fudgy goodness will still be intact.
Reheating
If you want to recapture that just-baked magic, zap a brownie in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. It’ll be soft, gooey, and ready for a scoop of ice cream—or just your fork—right away!
FAQs
Can I double this Small Batch Brownies recipe?
Absolutely! If you need more brownies, simply double the amounts and use a standard 8×8-inch pan. Keep an eye on baking time—it may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
What if I don’t have a 6×6-inch pan?
No worries—an 8×4-inch loaf pan works well, or you can split the batter between two small ramekins for individual treats. Just keep in mind the thickness and check for doneness a bit earlier.
Do Small Batch Brownies work with gluten-free flour?
Definitely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend, and you’ll still get delicious, fudgy brownies. Be sure to check that your other ingredients (like chocolate chips) are gluten-free too.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Fold in a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even white chocolate chips along with the regular chips for extra flavor and texture. Just don’t overdo it with mix-ins—a quarter cup is plenty for this small batch.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The best indicator is a toothpick inserted in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, your Small Batch Brownies are ready. If you prefer extra-fudgy brownies, pull them out closer to the lower end of the baking time.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of joy in baking just enough to savor without any waste, and these Small Batch Brownies are proof that quality trumps quantity. Whether you’re satisfying a chocolate craving or whipping up a last-minute dessert, these brownies never disappoint. Give them a try and let your tastebuds revel in every warm, melted bite!
Print
Small Batch Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Small Batch Brownies for a quick chocolate fix without the temptation of a whole pan sitting around. Rich, fudgy, and easy to make, these brownies are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings in a small portion.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 325°F and grease or line a 6×6-inch baking pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; whisk until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt; fold into wet mix.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, bake 20–24 minutes until set.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool, then slice into squares.
Notes
- For a fudgier texture, slightly underbake brownies.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for extra flavor.
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