Small Batch Brownies Recipe

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These delicious fudgy brownies are a must-have for anybody with a chocolate craving. If you want to make brownies for a small family or group of friends, this is the small batch brownies recipe for you!

This recipe combines good-quality dark chocolate with whole wheat for a healthier twist on a classic gooey brownie.

Small batch brownie recipe on a surface.

Craving the dark fudgy flavors of brownies but don't want to make a huge batch? I hear you and I'm bringing you the easy answer, a small batch brownie recipe!

They're made with all the same quality ingredients you expect in a full batch of brownies but just in smaller quantities and the results are perfection!

If you like this fudgy brownie recipe, then you might also enjoy this cinnamon brownies recipe with poached pears, rocky road bars, or snickerdoodle bars!

For a full batch of brownies, check out one of these amazing brownies recipes! Fresh mint brownies, whole wheat brownies, or peanut butter brownies.

What Makes This Go Good

The best thing about this recipe is the flavor. I mean, come on, who doesn't love a fudgy thick brownie? Dark chocolate with walnuts makes this a perfect dessert for any day.

These chocolatey brownies have the best fudgy texture. If you are into cake-like brownies, this is not the recipe for you.

Makes a small batch of brownies perfect for small households or individuals!

This brownie recipe is so much better than a box mix! There is nothing better than homemade brownies, especially when they are made well.

Ingredients

Most of the ingredients for this fudgy brownie recipe small batch are basic baking ingredients you may already have on hand.

Large egg: Gives the brownies structure.
Sugar: I prefer using a blend of granulated sugar and dark brown sugar for brownies. I find it makes a more moist and chewy brownie. You can also use all granulated sugar.
Vanilla: For more flavor and sweetness. I prefer using pure vanilla but vanilla extract works too.
Flour: This recipe will use a blend of all-purpose flour and whole wheat. It is a healthier way to make brownies but still retains their original flavor and texture. Choose whole wheat pastry flour for best results as it is a lower protein flour and gives the best texture.
Butter: Butter is a must for brownies.
Walnuts: They're optional, but I really like them! You can leave them out or also use pecans instead!
Chocolate: I use a combination of unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Hershey's Special Dark, and a dark chocolate baking bar, such as Ghiradhelli dark baking bars.

How to Make Small Batch Brownies

Here's an overview of the steps that go into making this easy small-batch recipe. For detailed instructions check the recipe card. Are you ready to get started? Let's go!

Shave or chop your dark chocolate bar into pieces.

Chopped dark chocolate and butter in a small white dish.

Add it to your butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then mix until it is smooth.
Beat your egg and sugars until they are light and fluffy. This will take a few minutes, so don't rush it.

Melted chocolate in a bowl being stirred with spoon.

Mixing the sugar and egg with electric mixer.

Add in the vanilla and mix again for another 30 seconds. As a side note, if you are on a sugar detox, you may need to wait on these brownies as they are loaded!
Next, sift in the flour and unsweetened cocoa powder, or dutch process cocoa powder as it's also known. My favorite brownie recipes are always a combo of chocolate bars and cocoa powder.

Adding the vanilla to the sugar and eggs.

Adding the flour to the bowl of brownies.

Fold in the dry ingredients to combine all the ingredients.

Pour batter into 2 prepared 4-inch loaf pans. I sprayed with pan spray, for quick release. This makes a small batch of brownies, so you shouldn't need too big of a pan.
Bake the brownies in the oven. The bake time is somewhere around 10-15 minutes.
Once they are baked, turn them out onto a cooling rack to let them cool.

I cut each loaf into 3 pieces. You could also use 1 loaf as a piece if you want, no judgment here.

Expert Tips

For the best flavor use pure vanilla.
The size of the pan will determine the baking time. I used two small loaf pans, so my baking time was only 12 minutes.
Don't overbake the brownies!
Change up your brownie mix-ins! Some of my favorite mix-ins include different kinds of nuts, chocolate chips, M&Ms, mints, and anything else you enjoy.
Want rich espresso brownies? Add up to one teaspoon of espresso powder for an extra kick!
More chocolate flavor? If you want to go for double chocolate brownies, add one-half cup of dark chocolate chips to the brownie batter.

FAQ

What other flour can I use aside from whole white wheat for whole grain flour?

You can also use red winter wheat or rye. I have also used whole wheat pastry flour but preferred the higher protein in the white winter.

Can I store these brownies?

Yes, these brownies will hold well for 2-3 days. Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container and store them at room temperature.

I'm not really into dark chocolate, is there a sub?

You can easily swap it out for semi-sweet or even milk chocolate. No adjustments to the recipe are necessary.

Woman grabbing a brownie from a stack of brownies.

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