The Best Small Batch Brownies (Ultra Fudgy + Chewy)

This small batch brownies recipe will blow your mind. Made with simple pantry ingredients and baked in a loaf pan, these brownies come out ultra fudgy, chewy, and packed with rich chocolate flavor every single time.

I’ve tested this recipe more than 15 times (purely for research… obviously), tweaking the brownie batter, bake time, and sugar ratios until it was absolutely perfect. If you’re craving fudgy brownies without ending up with a ton of leftovers, this is the recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Since you’re here I know you will also love these other small batch recipes! Try this small batch chocolate chip cookies recipe, small batch snickerdoodle cookies, small batch brownies cookies, and even this small batch Nutella brownie recipe.

Why you’ll love these small batch brownies

• Ultra fudgy & chewy: A combination of unsalted butter, oil, and brown sugar creates the perfect chewy texture.
• Crinkly top: Properly whisking the egg mixture and sugars gives you that classic crackly surface.
• One-bowl recipe: Minimal dishes, everything comes together in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Loaf pan friendly: No special pans required, just a parchment-lined loaf pan.
• Perfect portion size: No ton of leftovers, just rich, chocolatey brownies when you want them.

Why These Brownies Are So Fudgy (And Never Dry)

The secret to these small batch brownies is using both butter and oil, which keeps the brownies moist even after cooling. Brown sugar adds chewiness, while Dutch-process cocoa powder gives deep chocolate flavor without bitterness. Baking at a slightly lower temperature and pulling the brownies when a toothpick shows moist crumbs ensures they stay fudgy instead of dry.

Ingredients for these perfect brownies

Here’s what you’ll need to make these small batch brownies. For the full, detailed ingredient measurements, make sure to scroll down to the recipe card!

• Butter & oil: A combination of unsalted butter and oil gives us that perfect chewy and fudgy texture.
• Brown sugar & granulated sugar: The blend of these sugars gives us the crinkly top and the right balance of sweetness for a chewy brownie.
• Egg: Use a large egg at room temperature to ensure smooth batter consistency.
• Vanilla extract- This will help add a bit of depth of flavor to our brownies.
• Cocoa powder-Use high-quality cocoa powder (I recommend Dutch-process cocoa for the best chocolate flavor).
• Flour– All-purpose flour works great for this recipe for that ultimate chewy texture. 
• Salt– A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Chocolate chips or chocolate chunks– I love using chopped-up chocolate bars (rather than just chocolate chips) to create those stunning pools of chocolate inside the brownies.

Should I Use a Kitchen Scale for Baking These Loaf Pan Brownies?

Using a kitchen scale can improve accuracy and consistency, yielding brownies that look and taste just like the ones I made in these photos. Here are some benefits:

• Precise Measurements: It ensures you measure ingredients like flour and cocoa powder correctly because there can often be discrepancies in the grams measurement when you use cup measurements.
• Consistency: Weighing ingredients gives you reliable, perfect results every time.

How to make this small-batch brownies recipe?

It’s so easy to make these brownies at home. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be indulging in fudgy brownies in no time!

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and oil together until smooth. You can also use a double boiler.
2. Add both the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the melted butter mixture and whisk until fully combined, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the egg and vanilla extract and whisk until just combined.
4. Fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until the flour mixture disappears.
5. Mix in the chopped-up chocolate chunks to combine.

6. Pour the brownie batter into a parchment paper-lined loaf pan and bake at 325°F for around 25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center since baking time may vary depending on your oven. You should have a few moist crumbs in middle of the brownies but not have it be too wet.
7. Let your brownies cool completely before slicing. This allows them to set and gives you that chewy texture and the perfect shaped slices.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

Fun brownie variations

Get creative with your brownies! Here are a few fun ideas to try:

• Mix in white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Top the brownies with your favorite frosting for a decadent treat.
• Use a holiday cookie cutter to shape the brownies for special occasions like Halloween or Christmas.
• Swirl in some melted peanut butter or Nutella before baking for a unique twist on these brownies.

How to Serve Small Batch Brownies?

These brownies are great on their own, but here are a few ways to enhance them:

• With Hot Beverages: Pair with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert.
• With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm brownies.
• Topped with Sauce: Try drizzling hot fudge or dulce de leche for extra richness.
• With Whipped Cream & Berries: A dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries make for a lighter, refreshing contrast.
• As a Brownie Sundae: Layer brownies, ice cream, and toppings for a fun treat.