brownies in muffin pans.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. You can also use a silicone muffin pan for easy removal of the brownies.
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to denser brownies.
4. Add Mix-ins: If you’re adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or any other mix-ins, fold them into the batter now. This is where you can get creative! Want to try a swirl of peanut butter or caramel? Go for it!
5. Scoop and Bake: Scoop the brownie batter into the muffin tin, filling each muffin cup about 2/3 full. If you want slightly taller brownies, you can fill them a little more, but be mindful that they will puff up during baking.
6. Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The baking time will vary slightly depending on your oven and how full you fill the cups.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes before removing them. After cooling completely, you can serve them as is, or top them with whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat.

Variations to Try with Brownies in Muffin Pans

One of the best things about baking brownies in muffin pans is the ability to customize each one to your liking. Here are a few creative variations you can try:

1. Salted Caramel Brownie Bites

Add a spoonful of salted caramel sauce to the center of each brownie muffin before baking. Once they’re done, top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-salty twist.

2. Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

Swirl creamy peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking for a delicious, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate.

3. Nutty Brownie Muffins

Add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for added texture and flavor. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking for a nice crunch.

4. Chocolate Chip Brownies

Stir in a handful of chocolate chips or chunks into the batter. You can even top each brownie muffin with a few extra chocolate chips before baking for an extra gooey, melty finish.

5. Fudgy Brownie with Oreo Center

Place an Oreo cookie at the bottom of each muffin cup before adding the brownie batter. This creates a fun, hidden surprise inside the brownie, adding a little extra decadence!

6. Mint Chocolate Brownies

Add a few drops of mint extract to the batter for a refreshing minty twist. You can also top the brownies with mint chocolate chips or mini chocolate mints for a festive touch.

Tips for Perfect Muffin-Pan Brownies

1. Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, be sure to mix just until they’re combined. Overmixing can result in dense, dry brownies. Stir gently to keep that fudgy texture.
2. Watch the Baking Time: Muffin-sized brownies will bake faster than a traditional brownie pan. Keep a close eye on them, and start checking for doneness around the 18-minute mark. You want them to be set on the outside but soft and fudgy on the inside.
3. Use High-Quality Cocoa: The cocoa powder is the base of the brownie flavor, so use a good quality, unsweetened cocoa powder for the best result.
4. Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes before removing them. This helps them firm up and makes it easier to get them out of the pan without breaking.
5. Customize the Toppings: The fun part about brownies in muffin pans is all the customization options! Top with whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra special touch.

Final Thoughts

Brownies baked in muffin pans are the perfect way to enjoy this beloved dessert with a fun, portable twist. They’re quick, customizable, and easy to serve at parties, for family gatherings, or simply as an everyday treat. Whether you keep them classic or get creative with toppings and mix-ins, muffin pan brownies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

So, the next time you’re craving brownies, grab your muffin tin and let these individual-sized treats be your new go-to recipe! Happy baking!