If you have a sweet tooth and love bite-sized treats, my Mini Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe will quickly become your new best friend in the kitchen. These fudgy, rich little brownies are perfectly portioned for snacking, sharing, or sneaking a few indulgent bites when no one’s looking. I absolutely love how they come out so moist and chocolatey, with just the right balance between cake and fudge. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips and tricks to help you nail this recipe every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fudgy Texture: These brownie bites strike the perfect balance between moist and chewy every time.
- Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute treats.
- Flavor Depth: A hint of espresso powder enhances the chocolate without any coffee taste.
- Perfect Portions: Mini muffin sizes are great for parties, lunchboxes, or just portion control.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Mini Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe come together to create that classic rich brownie flavor. I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness, and a quality cocoa powder for that deep chocolate taste. Plus, a touch of espresso powder is a game changer—even if you don’t love coffee, it adds a wonderful richness you’ll notice.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter blends seamlessly with cocoa powder to build the base of flavor.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Use natural cocoa for that deep chocolaty essence.
- Espresso powder: Optional but highly recommended for enhancing the chocolate without adding coffee notes.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone.
- Egg and egg yolk: The extra yolk gives a fudgier texture I absolutely love.
- Vanilla extract: Simple, but it lifts all the flavors beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Just enough to give the brownies structure without drying them out.
- Salt: A pinch amplifies the chocolate’s depth and balances sweetness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Folded in for melty chocolate pockets in every bite.
- Sprinkles and extra melted chocolate chips: Totally optional, but fun for garnishes or drizzling if you want to get fancy.
Variations
One of the things I love about the Mini Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily customize it to fit various dietary preferences or seasons. I often tweak it depending on the occasion and what I have in my pantry, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
- Gluten-Free Version: I swapped the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend and they came out just as fudgy and delicious.
- Nutty Twist: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter brings a lovely crunch that my family goes crazy for.
- Extra Chocolate: I once used white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet, which gave a fun sweet contrast to the cocoa base.
- Seasonal Flair: Stir in some peppermint extract during the holidays, or orange zest in the fall for a subtle festive touch.
How to Make Mini Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. I like to butter my mini muffin pan thoroughly for easy removal later, but if you prefer, mini cupcake liners work great too—just a tiny bit of extra cleanup. Get all your ingredients measured and ready because this batter comes together fast!
Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine Cocoa and Sugar
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the softened butter completely. Then whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder, espresso powder if using, and brown sugar, stirring until smooth. This part is so satisfying because the smell of melting chocolate and butter instantly fills your kitchen. Remove the pan from heat and let this mixture cool at least 5 minutes—it’s important so you don’t scramble the eggs in the next step.
Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Vanilla Into the Chocolate Mixture
Once your chocolate mixture has cooled, whisk in the egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract until you get a shiny, homogenous batter. I found that using the extra yolk really helps achieve that luscious fudgy texture without making the brownies too dense.
Step 4: Fold in Flour, Salt, and Chocolate Chips
Now gently fold in the flour and a pinch of salt using a silicone spatula. Be gentle—overmixing can make your bites tough! Lastly, fold in the chocolate chips for those melty pockets of extra chocolate goodness. One little trick: wait until the batter has cooled before adding the chips so they keep their shape instead of melting completely.
Step 5: Portion and Bake
Use a small cookie scoop to evenly fill your mini muffin pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes—timing really matters here! Your brownie bites should be set but still soft in the middle. You can test with a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs. Resist the urge to overbake because that’s when brownie bites lose their signature fudgy texture. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing.
Step 6: Cool and Garnish
Once the bites are cool enough to handle, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm if you’re impatient like me. If you want to dress them up, try drizzling with extra melted chocolate or adding fun sprinkles on top—they’re perfect for parties or gifting.
Pro Tips for Making Mini Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe
- Cool Chocolate Mixture First: I learned the hard way that adding eggs to hot batter scrambles them—let it cool well before whisking in eggs.
- Don’t Overbake: Watch the baking time closely and remove when moist crumbs stick to your toothpick; fudginess is key!
- Line or Grease Properly: Ensures your brownie bites pop out easily without breaking.
- Add a Little Extra Yolk: Gives the perfect fudgy texture without heaviness—trust me, it’s a game changer.
How to Serve Mini Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve these Mini Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe treats, I often keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate. But I also love topping them with colorful sprinkles when it’s a celebration—it adds such a joyful pop of color and texture. Fresh berries or a spoonful of whipped cream on the side make for a lovely, light contrast, too.
Side Dishes
These brownie bites are perfect as a standalone sweet snack, but if I’m serving them at a party, I pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad. A cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk is always a crowd-pleaser alongside these rich bites—they balance out the chocolate nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or holidays, I like arranging the brownie bites on tiered dessert stands with colorful paper liners to make the display festive. I’ve also created little gift boxes tied with twine for friends and family—people adore these homemade little presents! Another fun idea is to sandwich a dollop of frosting or peanut butter between two bites for a mini brownie sandwich twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always keep leftovers stored in an airtight container at room temperature. I’ve found that these brownie bites stay moist and delicious for 3-4 days this way, which is honestly impressive for such a fudgy treat! If your kitchen is really warm, storing in the fridge is fine, but bring them back to room temp before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
If I’m making these ahead for a party or want to batch make, I freeze the brownie bites after they cool completely. Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container, they keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature—they taste just as fresh as the day you baked them!
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the brownies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This warms them just enough so the chocolate is gooey again without drying out the bites. Avoid reheating too long or they can become tough. If you want to get fancy, a quick 5-minute toss in a 300°F oven wrapped loosely in foil also works wonders.
FAQs
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Can I make the Mini Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free as well. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
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How do I know when my brownie bites are perfectly baked?
You want to remove them from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not completely clean. This ensures a fudgy texture rather than dry and crumbly.
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Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will add a more intense chocolate flavor. You can also mix semi-sweet and dark for a nice balance.
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Do I have to use espresso powder?
No, it’s optional. I include it because it subtly deepens the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste, but feel free to omit if you don’t have any on hand.
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How should I store the Mini Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe for best freshness?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them longer, freeze after they’ve fully cooled, then thaw before eating.
Final Thoughts
This Mini Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe is one of those small joys in life that always delivers comfort and smiles. I still remember the first time I made them and how my family couldn’t stop asking for more—they’re just that addictively good. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself after a long day, these little brownies bring big happiness. Give them a try—you won’t regret it.
Print
Mini Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownie bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these rich and fudgy Brownie Bites, perfect for a bite-sized chocolate treat. Made with a velvety cocoa and brown sugar base, enhanced by the depth of optional espresso powder and loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, these brownie bites are baked to perfection in a mini muffin pan. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they are ideal for parties, snacks, or anytime chocolate cravings strike.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon espresso powder (optional, adds deeper flavor)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch salt
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (plus 3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Sprinkles
- Extra melted chocolate chips for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Butter a mini muffin pan thoroughly or line with mini cupcake liners to ensure easy removal of the brownie bites after baking.
- Melt Butter and Combine Cocoa Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, optional espresso powder, and brown sugar. Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Cool Mixture and Add Eggs: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the chocolate mixture to cool for at least 5 minutes. Once cooled, whisk in the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips: Gradually fold the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture using a silicone spatula. Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed without melting.
- Fill Muffin Pan and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, evenly fill each cup of the prepared mini muffin pan with the brownie batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bites are set but still fudgy. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not completely dry.
- Cool and Remove: Let the brownie bites cool in the muffin pan for about 5 minutes to set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm as preferred.
- Optional Garnish and Serve: Once cooled or while warm, garnish with sprinkles or drizzle with extra melted chocolate chips for added flair and flavor. Enjoy your delicious brownie bites!
Notes
- Store the brownie bites at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cooled brownie bites in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Do not overbake to maintain a fudgy texture—check doneness with a toothpick that should come out with moist crumbs.
- Allow the batter to cool before folding in chocolate chips to keep their shape rather than melting completely.
- Grease or line the muffin pan properly to easily remove the brownie bites without breaking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie bite
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1.3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg