Name: Easy Small Batch Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 cup chocolate chunks; Sea salt flakes for topping

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If you’ve ever wanted a perfect chocolate fix without the overwhelming amount of leftovers, this Easy Small Batch Brownies Recipe is your best bet. Just enough for about eight servings, these brownies deliver rich, fudgy goodness packed with melty chocolate chunks and a hint of sea salt that hits every craving spot just right. Whether you’re baking for a quiet evening or a spontaneous treat, this recipe is designed to make your brownie experience joyful, straightforward, and utterly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A rectangular dark brown chocolate brownie with a slightly shiny, crinkled top layer sits inside a metal loaf pan lined with white parchment paper on both long sides, the edges of the paper extending above the pan. The brownie has a textured surface with small cracks and dark spots indicating chunks of chocolate or nuts. The background is a light brown surface with small stains. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key to crafting these delectable brownies. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that unbeatable balance of moistness, chocolate intensity, and texture.

Butter (4 tbsp): Adds richness and moisture that ensure the brownies stay soft and tender.
Vegetable or canola oil (1 tbsp): Boosts fudginess and keeps the brownies pleasantly chewy.
Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the batter while contributing to the classic brownie crumb.
Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Offers a deep, caramel note and extra chewiness.
Egg (1): Binds everything together and helps the brownies achieve that perfect structure.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a warm aroma.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies the cocoa’s depth.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Provides just enough body without making the brownies cakey.
Cocoa powder (1/3 cup): The star ingredient for that deep, rich chocolate flavor.
Chocolate chunks (1/4 cup): Create bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
Sea salt flakes: A sprinkle on top adds a sophisticated touch by contrasting the sweet fudge.

How to Make Easy Small Batch Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Line either a 9×5 or 8×5-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your brownies don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Oil

Melt 4 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of vegetable or canola oil either in the microwave or in a medium saucepan on the stove. If you melt on the stovetop, transfer the warm mixture into a large bowl. The oil helps keep the brownies wonderfully moist, while the butter adds that buttery richness.

Step 3: Mix Sugars into Butter Mixture

Add both the granulated sugar and brown sugar to your melted fats. Whisk this combination until fully combined to create the perfect sweet base for your brownies. The blend of sugars balances sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor from the brown sugar.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in one egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then whisk until smooth. This step binds your batter and adds that lovely vanilla warmth that brings out the chocolate notes beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Chocolate

Whisk in your all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt until the dry ingredients dissolve into the wet mixture without a trace of flour. Gently fold in those luscious chocolate chunks, which will melt slightly during baking to create delightful pockets of gooey chocolate.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and spread it out carefully. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—when it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool fully in the pan. This step is crucial; it lets the brownies set for clean slices and richer flavor. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes right after baking if you love that contrasting salty crunch.

How to Serve Easy Small Batch Brownies Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a triangle-shaped dark brown brownie with a shiny cracked top layer. The middle layer is thick with melted chocolate, showing a smooth and glossy texture that looks soft and rich. The bottom layer appears dense and fudgy with a slightly crumbly texture near the edges. The brownies are placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sea salt flakes sprinkled on top can really elevate the flavor, giving a burst of savory contrast to the sweetness. You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream to turn these into a dessert fit for celebration.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple by pairing your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce also add a wonderful complementary layer to the intense chocolate flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve warm brownies straight from the pan with spoons for a cozy gathering? Or cut them into mini bite-sized squares for a party platter, garnished with mint leaves and a drizzle of chocolate ganache for that wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and chewy, preserving that fresh-baked sensation.

Freezing

If you want to keep your brownies longer, wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a treat.

Reheating

Reheat brownies in the microwave for about 15 seconds to enjoy them warm and gooey again. You can also pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes if you want a slightly crisp exterior with soft insides.

FAQs

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa powder?

Yes, Dutch-processed cocoa powder will work just fine but it may slightly alter the brownie’s acidity and texture. You might notice a smoother, less sharp chocolate flavor, which many people enjoy.

What if I don’t have chocolate chunks? Can I use chips or chopped bars?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars are perfect substitutes and will melt into delightful pockets of chocolate just the same.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make these brownies vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use a flax or chia egg in place of the egg, and ensure your chocolate chunks are dairy-free. The texture might be a bit different but still delicious!

Is it possible to double this recipe for a bigger batch?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, but keep an eye on baking time as it may take a few extra minutes. Use the toothpick test to judge doneness.

Why do my brownies sometimes come out cakey instead of fudgy?

For fudgy brownies like this Easy Small Batch Brownies Recipe, using a bit less flour and adding fat (butter and oil) helps. Overmixing the batter can also add air, making brownies cakier, so mix just until combined.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Small Batch Brownies Recipe is a treasure for any chocolate lover craving a manageable, fuss-free way to satisfy their sweet tooth without going overboard. It’s a recipe I reach for time and time again because it hits every note perfectly—rich, fudgy, and incredibly comforting. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing these brownies as much as I do!

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