Introduction
Who doesn’t love a good brownie? They’re rich, fudgy, and satisfy every chocolate lover’s dream. But sometimes, a full-sized brownie is just too much, and that’s where Brownie Bites come in. These mini brownies are the perfect size for satisfying that chocolate craving without overindulging. Plus, they’re adorable, easy to make, and perfect for sharing at parties, gatherings, or as a sweet treat throughout the week.
I’ve always had a soft spot for brownies, and when I first started making brownie bites, it was like discovering the perfect bite-sized version of my favorite dessert. Whether you like them plain, topped with a dollop of whipped cream, or served with a scoop of ice cream, these brownie bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into this simple yet decadent recipe!
Ingredients for Brownie Bites
- For the Brownie Bites:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, but recommended for extra gooeyness)
- Optional Toppings (for extra flair!):
- A dusting of powdered sugar
- Mini marshmallows
- Sprinkles
- Crushed nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. This recipe will yield about 24 brownie bites, so you’ll need a mini muffin tin or two. You can also grease the muffin cups directly if you prefer not to use liners.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The butter and sugar create that wonderful fudgy base, and the eggs help bind everything together.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a thick batter that will bake into fudgy brownie bites.
4. Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, if using. These add a little extra chocolatey goodness to your brownie bites, making them even more indulgent.
5. Scoop and Bake
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, fill each mini muffin cup about 2/3 full with the brownie batter. Don’t overfill them, as they will rise during baking. Bake the brownie bites for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (they should still be a little gooey!).
6. Cool and Serve
Let the brownie bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft at first.
7. Optional Toppings
Once the brownie bites have cooled, feel free to add a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also top them with mini marshmallows, sprinkles, or crushed nuts for added texture and flavor. Get creative and have fun with your toppings!
Baking Tips for Perfect Brownie Bites
- Don’t Overbake: For that fudgy, gooey center, be sure not to overbake the brownie bites. They should be slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven, as they will continue cooking in the pan after removal.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix more evenly into the batter, helping to create a smooth texture.
- Add Extra Chocolate: If you love chocolate, add more chocolate chips or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar for a more decadent treat.
- Customize Your Brownie Bites: You can easily customize these brownie bites by adding chopped nuts, caramel bits, or a swirl of peanut butter to the batter before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Ice Cream: These brownie bites are perfect for pairing with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a bite-sized sundae.
- Perfect for Parties: Serve these brownie bites on a platter at your next party or family gathering. They’re small enough to pop in your mouth, making them ideal for mingling.
- Gift Them: Brownie bites make great gifts! Package them in a cute tin or box with a ribbon for a homemade treat.
FAQs
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these brownie bites gluten-free.
Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a mini muffin tin? Absolutely! If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can use a regular muffin tin. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as the brownie bites will take longer to bake in larger muffin cups (around 18-20 minutes, depending on size).
Can I make these brownie bites ahead of time? Yes, these brownie bites can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
These Brownie Bites are the perfect bite-sized dessert for any occasion. They’re quick to make, full of rich chocolate flavor, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re baking for a party or simply treating yourself, these mini brownies are sure to be a hit. Enjoy them warm, cold, or with a scoop of ice cream, and let your chocolate cravings be satisfied!