There’s something truly enchanting about the smell of freshly baked brownies wafting through the kitchen. The moment I took that first warm, fudgy bite of these small batch brownies, I couldn’t help but smile at how effortless they were to make. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a batch that’s chewy, chocolatey, and utterly satisfying—perfect for those evenings when your sweet tooth demands some love without the hassle of large quantities.
No more sacrificing flavor for convenience; this simple recipe delivers a rich, fudge-like texture that feels indulgent yet manageable. Ideal for sharing—or not—these brownies are a delightful treat when you want something quick and delicious without leftovers looming in the fridge. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into the joy of baking the best small batch brownies!
Why are the best small batch brownies a must-try?
Irresistible flavor: Each bite is a heavenly combination of fudgy chocolate and chewy perfection.
Speedy preparation: In just 35 minutes, you can have fresh brownies ready to enjoy.
Minimal ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it easy to whip up on a whim.
Versatile options: Customize with nuts, swirls of peanut butter, or even different types of chocolate to suit your taste.
No leftovers: Perfectly portioned for when you want a treat without the worry of excess sweets.
This recipe is ideal for anyone looking to indulge in homemade goodness without the commitment of a full batch—check out this quick baking guide for more tips on perfecting your brownies!
The Best Small Batch Brownie Ingredients
For the Brownie Batter
• Butter – Provides richness and moisture; can be substituted with margarine for a dairy-free option.
• Vegetable Oil – Enhances fudginess; can use canola or melted coconut oil as alternatives.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and structure; adjust to taste for less sweetness.
• Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and a deeper flavor; light or dark brown sugar both work.
• Egg – Binds ingredients and adds richness; aquafaba can be a vegan substitute.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; can substitute with almond extract for a different profile.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and heightens flavor; no substitutions needed.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; gluten-free baking flour can be an alternative.
• Cocoa Powder – Key for chocolaty taste and dark color; Dutch-processed cocoa offers a milder flavor.
• Chocolate Chunks – Offers pockets of melted chocolate; use chocolate chips or a different type as preferred.
• Sea Salt Flakes – For topping, enhances flavor and creates a contrast with sweetness.
This delightful selection of ingredients is what makes the best small batch brownies an absolute must-bake!
How to Make the Best Small Batch Brownies
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 9×5 or 8×5 loaf pan with parchment paper. This will ensure your brownies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
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Melt the butter and vegetable oil together in a large bowl or saucepan over low heat, stirring until fully combined. This mixture will add a rich base to your brownie batter.
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Whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until you have a smooth, well-combined mixture. This step is essential for that signature chewy texture.
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Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully blended. You’ll want a luscious, glossy batter starting to form!
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Sift in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir gently until just combined, ensuring no dry flour remains visible, which helps achieve that fudgy consistency.
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Fold in the chocolate chunks using a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. They will melt beautifully during baking, creating pockets of gooey goodness.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking. This is where your delicious brownies begin to take shape!
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Bake for approximately 25 minutes, checking with a toothpick; a few moist crumbs should cling to it when done. This gives the brownies that perfect fudgy center.
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Cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to enjoy every chewy, chocolatey bite. Patience here will enhance the final texture!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of sea salt flakes before serving for an extra flavor boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
The Best Small Batch Brownies Variations
Customize your brownies with delightful twists that elevate their deliciousness!
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Nutty Delight: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and rich flavor. This will create a perfect contrast to the chewy interior.
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Peanut Butter Swirl: Add dollops of creamy peanut butter on top of the batter before baking, and use a knife to swirl it in. This combination is sure to please any peanut butter lover.
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Dutch Cocoa Twist: Swap regular cocoa powder for Dutch-processed cocoa for a milder, more complex chocolate flavor. It adds a subtle twist to your fudgy treat.
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White Chocolate Surprise: Use white chocolate chunks instead of dark chocolate to create a sweet, creamy profile. The contrasting flavors will be a delightful surprise!
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Friendly Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of espresso powder for unexpected depth and warmth. It gives a unique kick that perfectly complements the chocolate.
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Berry Burst: Toss in a handful of fresh raspberries or chopped strawberries to infuse your brownies with fruity freshness. The tartness of the berries beautifully balances the rich chocolate.
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Minty Freshness: Incorporate a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing, holiday-inspired brownie. Topped with crushed candy canes, it becomes a festive treat!
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Caramel Drizzle: Before serving, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for a gooey finish that’s utterly decadent. This sweet addition elevates the indulgence to a new level.
How to Store and Freeze the Best Small Batch Brownies
Room Temperature: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This will help maintain their chewy texture and rich flavor.
Fridge: If you want to extend freshness, refrigerate brownies for up to 1 week. Make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze brownies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Once ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight or bring to room temperature.
Reheating: To revive those delightful fudgy bites, microwave slices for 10-15 seconds, just until warmed through. This step brings back the gooey goodness of these best small batch brownies.
What to Serve with Chewy Small Batch Brownies?
Pair these delectable brownies with delightful companions that will elevate your dessert experience and create a perfect post-dinner treat.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold sweetness perfectly contrasts the warm, fudgy brownies, creating a delightful melting effect.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of light, fluffy whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and a sweet finish, balancing the rich chocolate flavor beautifully.
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Fresh Berries: Raspberries or strawberries offer a tart burst that complements the chocolate, enhancing the overall flavor profile while adding a refreshing touch.
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Espresso: The deep, bold coffee notes enhance the richness of the brownies, creating a sophisticated pairing that’s sure to impress.
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Milk: A classic choice! The creamy texture of milk adds a comforting element, making it the perfect accompaniment for indulgent chocolate flavors.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling extra chocolate sauce over your brownies intensifies that chocolate experience; a little extra indulgence goes a long way!
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Sea Salt Flakes: Sprinkling a few flakes on top enhances the sweetness of the brownies while delivering that delightful sweet-salty combo.
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Nut Butter: A swirl of creamy peanut or almond butter adds a nutty depth that pairs splendidly with the rich chocolate flavor in each bite.
Expert Tips for the Best Small Batch Brownies
- Measure Accurately: Using a kitchen scale ensures precise ingredient measurements, crucial for achieving the best small batch brownies. A little too much flour can make them dry!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the brownies in the oven and check for doneness at the 20-minute mark. Removing them too late can lead to a less chewy texture.
- Cool Completely: Allow brownies to cool entirely in the pan for the best texture. Cutting them too soon can result in a messy, crumbly situation!
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to personalize your brownies! Adding nuts or a swirl of peanut butter can elevate the flavor and texture, turning these into your best small batch brownies yet.
- Use Quality Chocolate: The type of chocolate chunks can significantly impact flavor. Opt for high-quality chocolate for richer, more indulgent brownies.
Make Ahead Options
These small batch brownies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, and salt) and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days to streamline your baking process. Additionally, you can melt the butter and oil in advance, allowing them to cool before refrigerating for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply whisk in the sugars, egg, and vanilla, followed by the prepped dry ingredients and chocolate chunks. This approach ensures fresh, fudgy brownies with minimal effort, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth in no time!
The Best Small Batch Brownies Recipe FAQs
What types of chocolate are best for these brownies?
Absolutely! For the best small batch brownies, I recommend using high-quality chocolate chunks or chips. Dark chocolate will give you a rich, indulgent flavor, while semi-sweet chocolate offers a classic sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using milk chocolate for a creamier taste or even white chocolate for a unique twist!
How do I know if my brownies are done baking?
Very! To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies around the 25-minute mark. If a few moist crumbs cling to the toothpick, they’re perfect! Remember, you want them to be fudgy, so don’t worry if they aren’t completely clean; a little gooiness is just fine!
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What should I do if the brownie batter seems too dry?
No worries! If your brownie batter is too dry, it may be due to overly packed flour or not enough fat. To remedy this, add a tablespoon of melted butter or vegetable oil and mix gently until incorporated. If still too dry, a splash of water or milk can help achieve the perfect moist consistency. Always err on the side of slightly under-mixing rather than over-mixing to keep them chewy!
How do I store leftover brownies?
Easy! Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days if you want to enjoy their chewy texture. If you’re keeping them longer, refrigerate for up to 1 week. For the ultimate freshness, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to revive their deliciousness.
Can I make these brownies vegan?
Absolutely! You can easily make the best small batch brownies vegan by substituting the egg with aquafaba (3 tablespoons) or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Additionally, choose dairy-free butter and chocolate chips to maintain that rich, chocolatey goodness without animal products. Enjoy your baking adventure!
The Best Small Batch Brownies You’ll Want to Devour Today
Ingredients Â
Equipment
MethodÂ
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 9x5 or 8x5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter and vegetable oil together in a large bowl or saucepan over low heat, stirring until fully combined.
- Whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until you have a smooth, well-combined mixture.
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully blended.
- Sift in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chunks using a spatula.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for approximately 25 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.