Brownie cups are the perfect treat – bite-sized, intensely chocolatey, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you're looking for a decadent dessert for a party, a quick after-school snack, or a simple way to satisfy your chocolate cravings, this guide will walk you through creating irresistible brownie cups that will impress everyone.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 12 brownie cups. Feel free to double or halve it depending on your needs.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – Melted butter ensures a moist and fudgy brownie.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – The heart and soul of your brownie cups! Use a high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and aroma.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – Provides structure to your brownie cups.
- Optional: Chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles – For added texture and flavor!
Equipment You'll Need:
- Muffin tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin is perfect.
- Mixing bowls: One large bowl for combining wet ingredients and one smaller bowl for dry ingredients.
- Whisk or electric mixer: For smooth batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Spatula or spoon: For filling the muffin cups.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well to prevent sticking. This is crucial for easy removal of your perfectly baked brownie cups.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk or beat until well blended and smooth. A creamy consistency is ideal.
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Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This incorporates air and creates a lighter brownie texture.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies.
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Add Mix-ins (Optional): If using chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles, gently fold them into the batter now.
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Fill the Cups: Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full. Don't overfill, as the brownies will rise during baking.
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Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the brownie cups cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, enjoy your delicious homemade brownie cups!
Tips for Perfect Brownie Cups:
- Don't overbake: Overbaked brownie cups will be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness around 18 minutes.
- Use quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your brownie cups will taste.
- Get creative with mix-ins: Experiment with different add-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even caramel bits.
- Store properly: Store leftover brownie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your brownie cups warm or cold, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar. They are the perfect ending to any meal or a delightful afternoon treat. Enjoy!
