Description
These small batch fudgy brownies are made with high-quality dark chocolate for a rich, dense texture and a crackly top. Perfect for singles or couples, this recipe yields 9 brownies in under 30 minutes with zero waste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 oz (115g) dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa solids), chopped
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (10g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: Sea salt flakes, ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, or dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
- Chop dark chocolate into small pieces. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Alternatively, melt using a double boiler.
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted chocolate and butter together. Add sugar and whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until glossy and sugar begins to dissolve.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in optional add-ins if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should look slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not clean batter.
- Let brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes to set. Lift out using parchment overhang, cut into squares, and serve.
Notes
Do not overbake; brownies continue to cook in the hot pan. Whisking the sugar vigorously is crucial for the crackly top. Use room temperature eggs to prevent seizing. For extra fudginess, add one extra egg yolk and reduce one whole egg. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: small batch brownies, fudgy brownies, dark chocolate brownies, easy dessert, no waste baking, 8x8 pan brownies