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Rich, fudgy, and perfectly portioned, these Small Batch Brownies are the ultimate treat when you want a little indulgence without making a full batch. Made with simple ingredients, they’re easy to whip up and deliver all the chocolatey goodness you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for more single serve brownie recipes, we’ve got you covered. Try the decadently rich Deep Dish Brownie, the chocolate-packed Oreo Brownie, or the buttery, sweet Blondies. Can’t decide between a brownie or a cookie? The 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 effortlessly in no time.
- Perfectly Sized: Designed for one or two servings, this recipe ensures no leftovers—just the right amount of indulgence.
- 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 a refreshing flavor. 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
Take your brownies to the next level with these simple yet indulgent ideas, perfect for a special treat or everyday indulgence:
- Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich: Use two brownie squares as the base and top for an ice cream sandwich. Add a scoop of your favorite ice cream between the brownies, then roll the edges in chopped nuts or sprinkles for extra flair.
- Brownie Sundae: Place a warm brownie square in a bowl, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and drizzle with hot fudge sauce or caramel. Sprinkle on chopped peanuts or colorful sprinkles for a fun finishing touch.
- Brownie Trifle: Layer brownie cubes with whipped cream, vanilla pudding, and fresh berries in a glass or bowl. Each bite combines creamy, fruity, and chocolatey goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Stir in about 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips.
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.
This recipe turned out great. I used a 7×5 inch glass dish and they baked in 15 minutes. Thanks for sharing.
I’m so happy to know you enjoyed the brownies, thank you!
These are yummy. My only concern is they never rise. I checked date on baking powder and it’s good for another year. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Margie, the brownies should rise but not a whole lot. The brownies should be dense and fudgy so not seeing a huge increase in the size is normal. If the brownies are not rising at all, make sure that the pan you use to bake the brownies is not larger than the one we recommend. The brownies won’t rise much if there is not enough batter in your baking dish. Also, make sure you are measuring the baking powder accurately, too much can cause the brownies to not rise at all.
This recipe was perfect. The brownies were yummy. I added chocolate chips which gave some extra chocolate taste. Will make it again.
Just made these brownies tonight. It was the first time I’ve actually made brownies from scratch. They were amazing and so easy. Just the perfect amount with not too much left over to tempt me. Will definitely make these again and try more of the desserts for two. I’ve got my eyes on a few!
I’ve made these twice now and they havent cooked fully in the middle both times . They are the best tasting brownies I’ve ever eaten.
Very easy and delicious
I am at high altitude, 5400ft. Would any changes be necessary for this recipe?
Based on an article from the King Arthur Baking website (https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/learn/resources/high-altitude-baking), I would recommend increasing the oven temperature to 365°F and decreasing the baking time by 5-8 minutes. I also suggest reading through the article to see what other changes are recommended.
The best brownies ever! not a lot to do, and not a lot of clean up
perfect for a Tuesday after supper dessert
Thank you for sharing
I’ll be back for more
Best Brownies ever ❤️ I make them at least twice a week❤️
These are entirely too easy to make! So good.
Terrific recipe.
Could you use a natural oil instead of butter? Maybe 3 Tbl?
Butter adds more flavor than oil will and butter contains milk solids and lactic acid, which react with the baking powder and helps the brownies to rise. Essentially, this means that butter can help to produce a cakier brownie. Using oil will result in a more fudgy brownie. If you’d like to use oil instead of butter, I recommend using vegetable or canola oil. This recipe has not been tested with other types of oil.
Terrific recipe.