Small Batch Frosted Brownies Recipe

Name: Single Serving Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup salted butter (melted); 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ cup granulated white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts (optional); 1 tablespoon butter (softened); 1 tablespoon milk; 1 tablespoon cocoa powder; ¾ cups powdered sugar; 1 dash salt

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You have a bit of a sweet tooth from time to time, you want to bake something delicious but don’t want to make a whole pan of brownies. This small batch frosted brownie recipe is the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth and will become your favorite brownie recipe!

If you think you can’t make a great brownies from scratch, then give this recipe a try and say goodbye to a box mix!

I like to make a small batch of lemon bars and crumble a little fudgy frosted brownie with a bit of ice cream on top. These simple brownie cakes are also very easy and tasty too!!

Four squares of frosted brownies on parchment paper.

Click the recipe link at the top of the page to go straight to the printable recipe card, which includes ingredient amounts, a detailed ingredient list, instructions, and recipe notes. You can also scroll through the post for helpful tips and step-by-step instructions. The recipe card is located at the bottom of the post.

What to love about this recipe

The batter comes together quickly with just a small mixing bowl and a spoon. Minimal ingredients for these perfect homemade brownies. Baked in a mini loaf pan or small baking dish, these are the best brownies for one, or two if you want to share. This homemade brownie recipe can be doubled and baked in a loaf-sized metal pan or mini muffin pan for mini brownie bites.
The best brownie recipe for a first time baker. An easy from scratch brownie.
These from-scratch fudge brownies have chewy edges take less time to bake and are better than a box of brownie mix.
Chocolate lovers favorite!

Main Ingredients Notes

Ingredients measured t o bake brownies with frosting.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Use good quality chocolate chips, my go-to is Ghiradelli but you may have your own favorite. Melted chocolate in the brownie results in a fudgy chewy brownies.
Salted Butter -Most of us have salted butter this is why I used it for this recipe. You can substitute and use an equal amount of unsalted butter and add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the recipe.
Regular Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – A classic Hershey Cocoa works just fine in this recipe. An option secret ingredient is adding a bit of espresso powder to the mix, it gives the brownies a bit of extra chocolatey yum.
Vanilla extract -Use pure vanilla extract or vanilla paste.

Step-by-Step Recipe Directions

mini loaf pan lined with parchment paper.

Step One: Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Make a foil or parchment paper sling for a mini loaf pan or small baking dish.

Bowl of mixed melted butter and cocoa powder.

Step Two: In a medium bowl mix together the unsweetened cocoa powder, and butter.

Step Three: Stir in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a spatula to add the all purpose flour. Fold in any extras now, nuts, extra chips, etc. Spoon the brownie batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth so the top is even

Brownie batter in small foil line baking dish.

Step Four: Spoon the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth so the top is even. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking. Brownies are fully cooked when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs the brownies are done. If too wet, continue cooking for a couple more minutes and check again.

Homemade brownies cooling on parchment paper.

Step Five: When done let brownies cool on a wire rack in the loaf pan before lifting brownies out to frost, cut, and serve.

Mixing the Frosting RECIPE

What’s great about this creamy chocolate frosting is you make only what you need, and it compliments the fudge brownie recipe perfectly!

In a small bow mix together all the brownie frosting ingredients until smooth. The mixing is easier if you use a fork to break up any chunks in the powdered sugar when mixing with the, ( also called confectioners sugar )regular unsweetened cocoa powder, before adding to the icing mixture.
Once the brownies are cooled down begin frosting the top of the brownies. Use a rubber spatula or a small icing spreader. Viola! You just made a great brownie recipe!

Recipe Notes and Cooking Tips

Use good quality unsweetened cocoa powder and chocolate chips. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your rich brownies.
Do not over-mix the batter. Over-mixing will result in tough brownies.
Use either salted butter or unsalted butter and add salt. The salt will help to balance out the sweetness and give your brownies a more complex flavor.
If you prefer a more cakey brownies, increase the baking time by 2-3 minutes.

Helpful Tools

The links below are Amazon affiliate links to the ingredients used in this recipe.

Mini Loaf Pans -These are great for making single-serving recipes.
Small Spatula – The perfect size for smaller bowls.

How to Store Leftovers

Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. I love cold fudgy frosted brownies!

Frequently Asked Question

How long should I let the brownies set before slicing?

For a clean slice, let the brownies cool for about 30 minutes before cutting.

What is the internal temperature of a fully cooked brownie?

For fudgy brownies, the internal temperature is about 190 degrees Fahrenheit.

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