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These small batch brownies are rich, fudgy, and perfectly sized when you want a chocolatey treat without a full batch. Made with simple ingredients, they’re easy to make and incredibly delicious!
If you’re looking for more single serve brownie recipes, we’ve got you covered. Try a rich Deep Dish Brownie, a chocolate-packed Oreo Brownie, or buttery Blondies. Can’t decide between a brownie or a cookie? A Brookie gives you the best of both worlds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Made with just a handful of pantry staples, these fudgy brownies come together easily and in no time.
- Perfectly Sized: Designed for one or two servings, this recipe ensures little to no leftovers.
- Unbeatable Flavor: Rich and fudgy, these homemade brownies are miles ahead of any boxed mix, and they’re surprisingly easy to make from scratch.
RELATED: 15 Easy Dessert Recipes For One
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch brownie recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and creates a tender, light brownie texture.
- Butter: Salted butter brings richness and enhances the overall flavor of the brownies.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a small amount adds depth and aromatic sweetness to the batter.
- Egg: A single egg binds the ingredients together, enriches the texture, and gives the brownies structure.
- All-Purpose Flour: Only 1/4 cup is needed, as cocoa powder takes the spotlight, delivering a bold chocolate flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for an intense, pure chocolate taste. Leftovers? Try it in recipes like Chocolate Banana Bread or a mini Devil’s Food Cake.
- Baking Powder: A tiny amount helps the brownies rise slightly, ensuring they stay fudgy but not too dense.
- Salt: A pinch enhances the chocolate’s natural sweetness without making the brownies salty.
- Nuts (Optional): Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Recipe Variations
These small batch brownies are delicious as is, but you can easily customize them for a fun twist:
- Mint Brownies: Stir a few drops of mint extract into the batter. For an extra treat, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top before baking.
- Caramel Brownies: Swirl caramel sauce into the batter before baking to create gooey pockets of salty-sweet goodness.
- S’mores Brownies: Add mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs to the batter. The marshmallows melt into gooey pockets, while the graham crackers add a nice crunch.
- Spiced Brownies: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
How To Make Brownies
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of brownies. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly butter a 5×5-inch or a 4×6-inch baking dish.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter and sugar until well combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla to the butter-sugar mixture and stir until smooth.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- If using nuts, gently fold them into the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. Slice into portions and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Choose the Right Pan: Use a 4×6-inch or 5×5-inch baking dish for even cooking.
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan to help them hold their shape.
- Knife Hack: Lightly coat your knife with non-stick spray before cutting to prevent sticking.
- Don’t Overbake: Start checking for doneness at 20 minutes. A toothpick or knife inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs for perfectly fudgy brownies.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your brownies with these simple and delicious ideas:
- Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich: Place a scoop of ice cream between two brownie squares and roll the edges in chopped nuts or sprinkles.
- Brownie Sundae: Top a warm brownie with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, or caramel, and finish with nuts or sprinkles.
- Brownie Trifle: Layer brownie cubes, whipped cream, vanilla pudding, and fresh berries for a creamy, chocolatey treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Yes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Overbaking is the likely culprit. Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer and test the brownies a few minutes earlier next time.
Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven. Start checking at the 20-minute mark:
Timer: Bake for 20-25 minutes, setting a timer to check for doneness early.
Toothpick Test: Insert a toothpick or knife tip into the center. If it comes out with wet batter, bake a little longer. If it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, they’re done.
Visual Cues: Look for a slightly underbaked center and dry edges. Brownies continue to set as they cool.
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 6.5×6.5-inch or 6×8-inch baking dish.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this small batch brownie recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Small Batch Brownies
Equipment
- 5-inch baking dish or a 4×6-inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter -melted
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅛ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly butter a 5×5-inch or a 4×6-inch baking dish.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter and sugar until well combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla to the butter-sugar mixture and stir until smooth.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- If using nuts, gently fold them into the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. Slice into portions and enjoy!
Notes
-
- Choose the Right Pan: Use a 4×6-inch or 5×5-inch baking dish for even cooking.
-
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan to help them hold their shape.
-
- Knife Hack: Lightly coat your knife with non-stick spray before cutting to prevent sticking.
-
- Don’t Overbake: Start checking for doneness at 20 minutes. A toothpick or knife inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs for perfectly fudgy brownies.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
OMG – I love these recipe ideas for one! I am sharing with all my single gal friends as they complain that they hating cooking because they have leftovers! Perfection.
Thank you, Denise!
I love love that these brownies only serve one! Because really, who wants to share their brownies?? 😉 Love how ultra-fudgy they look!
Thank you, Sarah!
These are my kind of brownies! Chewy and moist! Definitely making a double batch!!
Thanks, Andi!
These are perfect!
Yes, it’s all about easy portion control 🙂
Awesome brownies! My husband loved them so much and asked if I could expand the recipe. Figures…first he said he wanted brownies, but he didn’t want to eat them all week. Now, he wants me to make these into a larger batch! These were fudge and delicious!
Any tips for making them into a larger batch?
I’m so glad your husband enjoyed the brownies! You can definitely double the recipe with success 🙂
That size pan should work fine. Keep the oven temperature the same and test to see if the brownies are done by inserting a toothpick or the tip of a sharp knife in the center and if it comes out slightly sticky, they’re done. If not, continue to bake the brownies and check for doneness in 5- minute increments.
Now I’m craving chocolate! This looks so good!
Chewy and slightly gooey – my kind of brownies! YUM!
Oh wow, these do look PERFECT. I’m tempted to run to the kitchen right now and whip these up. Love love love brownies. 🙂
Ok, I need these in my life right now!!! I have a huge weakness for brownies!
I’m always looking for smaller portioned desserts. These were wonderful. Love that you do so many “for one” recipes!
Thanks so much, Justine!
The perfect amount for me – delicious!