Easy Small Batch Brownies: Rich and Fudgy!
Easy Small Batch Brownies: Rich and Fudgy! : who doesn’t love the smell of fresh brownies baking in the oven? Brownies are a classic dessert, loved by many for their chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor. But sometimes, you just want a small batch, especially if you’re not feeding a crowd. That’s where this recipe for Easy Small Batch Brownies comes in. They are quick, simple, and delicious—perfect for when you have a craving but don’t want to make a big tray! These brownies are rich and fudgy, putting a smile on your face with each bite. Let’s dive in!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe for Easy Small Batch Brownies is one of the best out there. Here’s why you will absolutely love it:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t take much time. You can be enjoying fresh brownies in less than an hour!
- Perfect Portion: This small batch is great for a few servings. Whether you are having a movie night or just a treat after a long day, you won’t have a lot left over.
- Rich and Fudgy: These brownies are packed with chocolatey goodness. The texture is just right—chewy on the edges and fudgy in the center.
- Customizable: You can easily make this recipe your own by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins.
- No Special Equipment Needed: You won’t need any fancy tools to make these brownies. Just a bowl and a whisk will do!
Now that you know why this recipe is a winner, let’s get started on how to prepare these delicious brownies.
How to Prepare Easy Small Batch Brownies
Making Easy Small Batch Brownies is a fun and rewarding task. The steps are straightforward, and you’ll feel accomplished when those brownies come out of the oven. Here’s how to do it!
Ingredients:
Here are the simple ingredients you will need:
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chocolate chips or nuts of your choice
Instructions:
Follow these easy steps to prepare your brownies:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly.
- Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Make sure not to let it get too hot—just enough to melt is perfect.
- Mix Sugars and Vanilla: Once the butter is melted, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the bowl. Stir well to combine. Then, add in the teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix again.
- Add the Egg: Crack in one large egg. Whisk it into the mixture until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If you want to make your brownies even more amazing, fold in the chocolate chips or nuts at this point.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a small baking pan (like an 8×8 inch) with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Pour and Smooth: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You can tell they are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Cool: Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting.
How to Serve Easy Small Batch Brownies
Now that your Easy Small Batch Brownies are ready, it’s time to enjoy them! Here are a few ideas on how to serve them:
- Classic Brownie: Just cut them into squares and serve. The rich, fudgy texture shines on its own!
- With Ice Cream: For a special treat, serve a warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The melting ice cream mixed with the warm brownie is pure bliss.
- Topped with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream and perhaps some chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent dessert.
- With Fresh Berries: For a fresh twist, serve your brownies with some fresh strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the berries pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the brownies.
How to Store Easy Small Batch Brownies
If you have any brownies left (which is unlikely because they are so good!), you can store them easily to keep them fresh.
- At Room Temperature: You can keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing.
- In the Fridge: If you want to keep them longer, store the brownies in the fridge. They will last for about a week. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container.
- Freezing: You can also freeze brownines! Cut them into squares, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen brownies can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, let it thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
Tips for Preparing Easy Small Batch Brownies
Here are some handy tips to ensure your brownies turn out perfectly every time:
- Melt Your Butter Slowly: When melting butter, do so gradually in the microwave to avoid overheating.
- Use Good Quality Cocoa Powder: The cocoa powder you choose can greatly affect the flavor. Select a brand you like.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Check for Doneness: Remember that brownies will continue to cook a bit after they are taken out of the oven. It’s better to underbake them slightly for a fudgier texture.
- Let Them Cool: Allowing the brownies to cool will help them set better and make cutting easier.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this brownie recipe! Here are a few fun variations you can try:
- Nutty Brownies: Add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for some crunch.
- Mint Chocolate Brownies: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a minty flavor.
- Swirled Brownies: After pouring the brownie batter into the pan, drop spoonfuls of cream cheese or peanut butter on top and swirl them with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Chocolate Chip Brownies: Top the batter with chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I double this small batch brownie recipe?
Yes, you can easily double this recipe if you want to make more. Just use a larger pan (like a 9×13 inch) and adjust the baking time, as it may take longer to bake through.
2. Can I use a different type of flour?
You can experiment with using different types of flour like whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly.
3. What can I do if my brownies turn out too dry?
If you find your brownies are dry, it may be because they were overbaked. In the future, keep an eye on the baking time and do the toothpick test to avoid this.
Enjoy baking and indulge in these Easy Small Batch Brownies. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, they’re sure to be a hit! Happy baking!