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    Home > Recipes > Brownies and Bars > Small Batch Brownies

    Small Batch Brownies

    Published on July 22, 2022. Last updated on August 18, 2022. By Gabby. 143 Comments

    17.4K shares
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    Jump to Recipe

    These are the best small batch brownies ever! They’re gooey, fudgy, and have a gorgeous crinkle top. They’re made in one bowl, with no mixer, using just 8 ingredients and no melted chocolate. This recipe makes 8 perfect brownies!

    Small batch fudgy brownies pictured from above cut into 6 squares with one piece turned on its side

    Small batch recipes are so great, whether you’re running low on ingredients or just don’t want to have a ton of leftovers, this recipe makes just the right amount of brownies.

    Got a sudden craving for brownies? All you need to make these is a bowl, a whisk, and a few simple ingredients.

    Usually when I’m craving sweets but don’t feel like making a full batch of something, I love to whip up these small batch chocolate chip cookies.

    But if I’m in the mood for something super chocolatey, my go-to recipes are edible brownie batter or these small batch brownies!

    Why You'll Love These Small Batch Brownies

    • Short on ingredients? Or maybe you only have one egg left? Then these small batch brownies are the perfect recipe for you! Just a few pantry staples and no melted chocolate - just cocoa powder!
    • This recipe has been tested using regular butter and dairy free butter and is delicious both ways.
    • These brownies are freezer friendly, so if you are looking for an even smaller portion, you can easily freeze any leftovers.
    • No mixer or fancy equipment required for these small batch brownies!

    Ingredients Needed

    Small batch brownie ingredients in bowls with labels
    • Cocoa Powder: for best results, use unsweetened dutch process cocoa powder. If you only have natural cocoa powder, that will work fine.
    • Flour: This recipe calls for all-purpose flour. I haven’t tested the recipe gluten free so I can’t say for sure how it will turn out. Readers have reported great results when using gluten free 1-1 baking flour in my classic fudgy brownie recipe, so that's what I would recommend trying if you'd like to make these gluten free.
    • Butter: regular butter or dairy free/vegan butter will work in this recipe. It has been tested both ways!
    • Chocolate Chips: chocolate chips are optional. I like to use semisweet (regular or vegan), but you can also use milk or dark chocolate chips. You can also chop up a chocolate bar and use chocolate chunks instead.

    Step By Step Instructions

    Note: Full ingredient measurements and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

    Step One: Prepare an 8x4 loaf pan or 9x5 loaf baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some over the sides to make it easy to remove the brownies from the pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

    Step Two:  In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add in both sugars and whisk until the mixture pulls away easily from the sides of the bowl as you mix, with a paste-like consistency.

    Step Three: Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract.

    Step Four: Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then whisk until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

    Step Five: Pour the batter into the parchment-lined pan, spreading it around in an even layer and bake for 20-36 minutes.

    Let the small batch brownies cool completely before slicing!

    small batch brownie baking process pictured in 4 steps

    FAQs and Expert Tips

    Can I make this as a full batch of brownies?

    For a full batch of brownies, use this fudgy brownie recipe.

    Why aren’t my brownies cooked?

    If you use a glass pan instead of a metal pan to bake the brownies, the baking time will change. I recommend metal baking pans for brownies.

    The inside of the brownies should be fudgy-looking, not dry! The brownies are ready when the top is crinkled and a toothpick inserted in the middle of the brownies comes out with a few wet crumbs - it shouldn’t be completely clean or completely covered in batter either.

    What size pan is best for these brownies?

    Small batch brownies can be made in an 8x4 inch loaf pan, or in a 9x5 inch loaf pan. They will be slightly thinner if made in a 9x5 because there is more surface area.

    small batch brownies sliced with chocolate chips inside

    Expert Tips

    • Properly measure your flour and cocoa powder -  If you over-measure your flour or cocoa powder, the small batch brownies won't be as fudgy, and will be drier and more cakey. I recommend weighing both ingredients with a kitchen scale or using the scoop and level method.
    • Don’t over-mix the batter: over-mixing can change the texture of your brownies and even cause them to sink. You should whisk in the dry ingredients only until the last specks of dry ingredients have disappeared. 
    • Don’t over-bake the brownies! It can be tricky to know when to take brownies out of the oven. The first thing to look for is whether the brownie batter jiggles if you shake the pan. If it does, they need more time, and if it doesn’t, you can do the toothpick test. If a toothpick inserted in the middle of the brownies comes out covered in batter, they need more time. The toothpick should not be completely clean but should have just a few wet crumbs on it.
    • Let the brownies cool completely before slicing: The brownies will continue to set as they cool, so resist the urge to cut into them right away to avoid a gooey mess. They will be much easier to slice once they’ve cooled as well.

    Storage and Freezing Instructions

    These small batch brownies can be stored at room temperature covered and un-sliced in the pan or sliced in an airtight container for up to 4 days. After that they can start to dry out.

    To freeze, slice the brownies and place them in a ziplock freezer bag. Let them thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

    More Brownie Recipes You'll Love

    • Marshmallow Swirl Brownies
    • Matcha Brownies
    • Brownie Blondies
    • Biscoff Brownies

    If you make this recipe, let me know how it went in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you! You can also tag me on Instagram or Facebook so I can check it out!

    Small batch brownies cut into squares with one piece out of place

    Small Batch Brownies

    Gabby
    These small batch brownies are gooey, fudgy, and have a perfect crinkle top. They're made in one bowl, with 8 ingredients, and this recipe makes 8 perfect brownies!
    5 from 87 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    27 minutes mins
    Total Time 37 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 brownies
    Calories 223 kcal

    Video

    Equipment

    • 1 8x4 loaf pan (or a 8x5 loaf pan)

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 6 Tablespoons butter, melted (regular or dairy free)
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 6 Tablespoons light brown sugar
    • 1 egg
    • ½ Tablespoon vanilla extract
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • 5 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 6 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
    • ⅓ cup semisweet chocolate chips (regular or dairy free)

    Instructions
     

    • Prepare an 8x4 or 9x5 loaf baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some over the sides to make it easy to remove the brownies from the pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
    • Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave until melted (or melt butter over the stove). Add in both sugars and whisk until the mixture pulls away easily from the sides of the bowl as you mix, with a paste-like consistency.
    • Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract.
    • Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then whisk until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
    • Pour the batter into the parchment-lined pan, spreading it around in an even layer and bake for 26-36 minutes.
      The top should be crackly and a toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with just a few wet crumbs on it, but not covered in batter or completely clean. The batter should also not be jiggly in the pan.
      Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing.

    Notes

    Measuring Flour and Cocoa Powder: Properly measure your flour and cocoa powder using either a kitchen scale or the scoop and level method.
    Baking Time: This will vary depending on your oven, as well as your pan.
    If using a glass baking dish instead of aluminium, the brownies will take longer to bake, and 9x5 loaf pans will bake slightly quicker than 8x4.
    Storage Instructions: Store un-sliced in the pan, covered tightly with tinfoil 3-4 days. Store sliced brownies at room temperature in an airtight container. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 223kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 116mgPotassium: 129mgFiber: 2gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 434IUCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    The calorie information provided for this recipe is an estimate. The accuracy of the calories listed is not guaranteed.

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    1. Belle

      September 16, 2023 at 4:27 am

      This is a great recipe so good and so delicious!! Definitely recommend!

      Reply
      • Gabby

        September 18, 2023 at 9:06 pm

        I'm so happy you loved them! Thanks for the review Belle!

        Reply
    2. Caro

      August 25, 2023 at 5:41 pm

      5 stars
      WOW what can I say, these are the best brownies I made in my life! I baked mine for 35 minutes at 180°C and they came out slightley underbaked, which is fantastic! Gotta be careful not to eat the whole batch in 2 days 😂
      Thank you so much for the recipe <3

      Reply
      • Caro

        August 25, 2023 at 5:42 pm

        I was wondering though, if I wanna bake these as a bigger batch in an 8x8 inch baking dish, should I double the recipe? Or tripple?

        Reply
        • Gabby

          August 29, 2023 at 10:42 pm

          You can double the recipe for an 8x8 pan, or use this brownie recipe - it can be made with regular dairy products instead of dairy free!

      • Gabby

        August 29, 2023 at 10:42 pm

        I'm so happy you loved them Caro! Thank you for the review 🙂

        Reply
    3. Mandy

      July 13, 2023 at 3:14 am

      Hi!! I was wondering if I could bake this in a mini cupcake pan instead of a loaf pan? I really want to make brownie bites

      Reply
      • Gabby

        July 13, 2023 at 4:06 pm

        Hi Mandy! You could definitely try that! Just grease the tins well and lower the baking time. I haven't tested it but I'd start with 8-12 minutes.

        Reply
    4. aggie

      May 23, 2023 at 2:03 am

      Can i leave out the brown sugar

      Reply
      • Gabby

        May 23, 2023 at 6:53 pm

        I don't recommend that as it would change the end result significantly.

        Reply
    5. Maggie

      May 10, 2023 at 7:18 pm

      Hi there made this receipt today tasted really lovely. I used at 8x4 loaf tin. Looked nothing like yours. (Pictured). My batter did not give me 8 slices. Kind regards

      Reply
      • Gabby

        May 14, 2023 at 12:19 am

        Hi Maggie, I'm so glad you loved the brownies. I can't see a photo attached and I'm not sure how to help with how it looked!

        Reply
    6. Kelli

      May 05, 2023 at 6:04 pm

      5 stars
      This is a great small batch recipe! Sometimes you just want a little bit of brownies. These are perfectly fudgy too!

      Reply
      • Gabby

        May 08, 2023 at 9:50 pm

        I'm so happy you loved them! Thank you for the review 🙂

        Reply
    7. yasmeen

      April 30, 2023 at 5:15 am

      5 stars
      Best brownie recipe.

      Reply
      • Gabby

        May 03, 2023 at 4:19 pm

        I'm so happy you loved it Yasmeen!

        Reply
    8. Kay Jackson

      April 23, 2023 at 4:44 pm

      5 stars
      When I say these were the BEST BROWNIES EVER!! The recipe was so easy to follow. I definitely will be making these again.

      Reply
      • Gabby

        April 24, 2023 at 3:28 pm

        I'm thrilled to hear this! Thanks for the review!

        Reply
    9. Richa

      April 06, 2023 at 12:12 am

      5 stars
      THE BESTEST AND EASIET RECIPE EVER! These brownies were absolutely amazing! Even my roommate said it was one of the best. It’s truly so yummy ooey gooey, a chocolate dream!
      I hope anyone that sees this and tries it for themselves! So easy and simple!

      Reply
      • Gabby

        April 07, 2023 at 3:11 pm

        I'm so happy you both loved them so much yay! Thank you for the review!

        Reply
        • Lea

          June 11, 2023 at 7:46 pm

          Hi, I don't see the measurements for each ingredient? THANKS

        • Gabby

          June 12, 2023 at 2:54 pm

          All measurements are right above where you left this comment, in the recipe card. Enjoy!

    10. Dalia

      April 05, 2023 at 7:28 pm

      Yam yam,
      It is became addicted here in the family it has all you need in the perfect brownie it became my favorite recipe🤗loved it.
      thank you

      Reply
      • Gabby

        April 07, 2023 at 3:11 pm

        I'm so happy you loved them Dalia! Thanks for the review 🙂

        Reply
    11. Cat

      March 29, 2023 at 2:37 am

      5 stars
      This has been my go to brownie recipe since I found it last year. I have no desire to try other brownie recipes anymore! I get compliments all the time about this. In fact, I have another batch in the oven as we speak. Thank you for a delicious, chocolatey, and moist recipe!

      Reply
      • Gabby

        March 29, 2023 at 2:45 pm

        Hi Cat! I am so thrilled to hear this, you made my day! So glad you love them so much, thanks for the review!

        Reply
    12. Sheryl M.

      March 27, 2023 at 3:15 pm

      5 stars
      Very easy and delicious recipe. I made 2 pans of them. You really do get that nice crackle of the top! Super fudgy and moist. Would make them again!

      Reply
      • Gabby

        March 27, 2023 at 3:56 pm

        Hi Sheryl! I am so happy that you loved the brownies, thank you for the review!

        Reply
    13. Elizabeth

      March 21, 2023 at 5:43 am

      Please offer an egg-free option so we vegans can enjoy these, too!

      Reply
      • Gabby

        July 05, 2023 at 12:18 am

        Brownies are tough to simply swap out the egg for a vegan substitute, there are a lot of other adjustments that would have to be made. I'll make a note to work on a vegan version in the future!

        Reply
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