Small-Batch Brownies
The best fudgy, gooey brownies with a flaky top now comes in a small-batch option perfect for an at home dinner date!
Continuing our month of small-batch bakes with chocolate! This week’s small batch dessert is none other than the most perfect brownies. It’s just the right amount for a special dinner for two with a few leftovers because you WILL want some the next day lol.
How to make Small-Batch Brownies
If you’ve never tried My PERFECT Fudge Brownies you are missing out! Lucky for you, I took this recipe and made it the perfect portion for you and your significant other to both enjoy. What makes this recipe so great is that it has the perfect balance of texture and flavor. They are gooey without feeling undercooked, rich and fudg-y without being too overly sweet.
Ingredients:
- Butter: Softened butter will be easier and quicker to work with. However, if you forget to take it out in time that’s ok since you will need to melt it anyway. You can use salted or unsalted, I just add a pinch of salt if I use unsalted butter.
- Chocolate: You can use any kind of chocolate chips you have. I prefer Ghirardelli or Guittard dark chocolate because of their rich flavor.
- Eggs: I always use large, room temperature eggs. If you are in a pinch, you can let your eggs sit in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
- Sugar: I use granulated sugar but if you don’t have any you can use light brown sugar too.
- Flour: I like to use all-purpose flour because almost everyone has some at home.
- My digital scale lives on my counter and I always use it to measure flour. Over and under measuring is the most common baking error and can alter your results significantly.
- Cocoa Powder: I like using dutch process cocoa powder because of its rich flavor and dark color. The better quality your cocoa powder is, the better your brownies will taste! My favorite is King Arthur Dutch Process Cocoa Powder or Ghirardelli Dutch Process Cocoa Powder.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt together the butter and chocolate chips until they’re smooth and combined.
- Lightly whisk together the eggs and sugar just until they’re barely combined.
- Add the melted chocolate to sugar and eggs, mixing lightly just until they’re barely combined.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix until they’re well combined.
- Spread into a lined 9×5″ loaf pan and bake just until the edges are set and the center feels soft but not liquid-y.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What pan to bake small batch brownies in
I used a 9×5″ loaf pan to get a nice thick brownie. If you use one slightly larger, the brownies will be a little thinner and require less bake time.
You can also make them in a round or square 6 inch pan.
How to customize brownies?
If you want to be a little extra you can make some delicious toppings for your brownies. Just half the toppings on the following:
- Pecan Pie Brownies
- Oreo Fudge Brownies
- Hot Chocolate Brownies
- Biscoff Brownies
- Tiramisu version in Frosted
How do I know when my brownies are done baking?
The toothpick test doesn’t work too well with brownies because the perfect brownie should be a little gooey in the center. If you wiggle the pan and the batter jiggles it’s not done.
If you gently press your finger in the center and feel light resistance they are ok to remove from the oven. It should feel like underneath the baked top layer there is still a soft middle but not runny. They will continue to bake after you take them out of the oven as they cool.
How do you get that perfect flaky top?
To get the flaky top you have to make sure you do not beat the eggs and sugar in the beginning and don’t over mix them. If you do, it will create a meringue and the top will be thicker which will require a longer cook time. Then your brownies will turn out thicker on top, crispier on the edges and super gooey in the middle.
I whisk my sugar and eggs for like 30 seconds, just until they’re combined and still a little gloopy, not to the point where the color turns pale.
How to store Small-Batch Brownies
You can store the cooled brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for a few days. You can also store them in the refrigerator for 7-10 days. To serve, let them sit on the counter until they reach room temperature or just microwave for 5-10 seconds.
If you loved this recipe check out my Slutty Brownies. They are half brownie and half chocolate chip cookie with Oreos and salted caramel sauce and they are my favorite!
Thanks so much for reading today’s post! If you have any questions just comment down below, I’m happy to answer! If you make these small-batch brownies I would love to see them. Make sure to tag me @baranbakery on instagram and order my cookbook, Frosted. As always, have a blessed day and happy baking!
Love, B
