Do you love brownies, but sometimes find yourself with an overwhelming craving for just a little bite? Enter: mini muffin tins. These little baking wonders allow you to make perfectly portioned mini brownie muffins that are the ultimate snack for any brownie lover. In this article, we'll take you through all the steps you need to know to make these delicious treats at home.
The perfect size for a snack
The best thing about making brownies in mini muffin tins is that they're the perfect size for snacking. No more cutting up big brownies into small pieces; with mini muffin tins, you can pop one (or several!) in your mouth for a quick and easy treat. Plus, they're great for parties or potlucks where you want to offer a variety of desserts in smaller portions.
Another advantage of making brownies in mini muffin tins is that they cook faster than regular-sized brownies. This means you can have freshly baked brownie bites in just a fraction of the time it would take to bake a full-sized batch. Additionally, mini brownies are perfect for portion control, so you can indulge in a sweet treat without feeling guilty. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a party dessert, mini brownies are the way to go!
Ingredients needed for mini brownie muffins
To make mini brownie muffins, you'll need the same ingredients you'd use for regular brownies, but in smaller quantities. Here's what you'll need:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Mini brownie muffins are a great option for parties and gatherings, as they are easy to make and serve. You can also add some variety to the recipe by adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
If you want to make the mini brownie muffins even more decadent, you can top them with a chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting. Simply melt some chocolate or mix cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and spread it on top of the muffins once they have cooled.
Preparing the mini muffin tins
Before you start preparing the brownie batter, you'll need to prep your mini muffin tins. Make sure to grease each muffin cup thoroughly with cooking spray or butter so the brownies don't stick. If you want to make clean-up even easier, you can also use mini muffin tin liners.
Another important step in preparing the mini muffin tins is to ensure that they are evenly filled with the brownie batter. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to fill each muffin cup about ⅔ full. If you overfill the cups, the brownies may spill over and stick to the pan. Once the muffin tins are filled, gently tap them on the counter to release any air bubbles and ensure that the batter is evenly distributed.
Mixing the brownie batter
To make the brownie batter, start by melting the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once the butter has melted, remove the pan from the heat and add in the sugar, stirring until it's dissolved. Then, whisk in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift together the salt, flour, and cocoa powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients while stirring until everything is well combined.
For an extra fudgy texture, you can add in some chopped chocolate or chocolate chips to the batter. Fold them in gently to avoid overmixing the batter.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your brownies, you can also mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruit. Walnuts, pecans, and dried cherries are all great options that pair well with chocolate.
Filling the mini muffin tins with batter
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, fill each mini muffin cup with about a tablespoon of brownie batter. Make sure not to overfill the cups; leaving some space at the top will help the brownies rise without spilling over.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your mini brownie bites, you can mix in some chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit into the batter before filling the muffin cups. This will give your brownies a delicious and unique twist that your guests will love.
Baking the brownies to perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once it's heated, place the mini muffin tins in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Check on them frequently after the 10 minute mark to make sure they don't overcook. The brownies are done once you can insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin and it comes out clean.
One tip to ensure your brownies come out perfectly is to let them cool completely before removing them from the muffin tins. This will prevent them from falling apart or sticking to the pan. Once they are cool, use a butter knife to gently loosen the edges of each brownie and then pop them out of the tin. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar or drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for added sweetness.
Tips for removing brownie muffins from the pan
Once your brownie muffins are done baking, you'll need to let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before removing them. Use a toothpick or a small spoon to gently loosen the edges of the brownie muffins from the sides of the muffin cup. Once you've loosened all the edges, you can carefully lift the brownie muffins out of the tin.
It's important to note that if you try to remove the brownie muffins from the pan while they're still hot, they may fall apart or stick to the tin. To avoid this, make sure to let them cool for at least 5-10 minutes before attempting to remove them. Additionally, if you're using a non-stick muffin tin, you may not need to grease it before baking. However, if you're using a regular muffin tin, it's a good idea to lightly grease each muffin cup with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Serving and storing mini brownie muffins
Mini brownie muffins can be eaten and served right away, or you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer in a sealed container or bag. When reheating, let them come to room temperature and pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your mini brownie muffins, try topping them with whipped cream, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also experiment with different types of nuts or dried fruits to add some texture and variety to your muffins. Mini brownie muffins are perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a sweet treat for yourself or your family.
Variations of mini brownie muffins to try
If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different add-ins to create your own custom mini brownie muffins. Here are a few ideas:
- Add chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or white chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
- Add nuts, such as chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds, to the batter.
- Swirl in some caramel sauce or chocolate fudge sauce after adding the batter to the muffin cups.
Another fun variation to try is adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the muffins before baking. This will give them a sweet and salty flavor that is sure to be a hit.
If you want to make your mini brownie muffins even more decadent, try adding a dollop of cream cheese frosting on top. This will add a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolatey goodness of the muffins.
Brownie mix vs homemade batter: which is better for mini muffin tins?
While you can use a brownie mix to make mini muffin tin brownies, making your own batter from scratch is fairly simple and gives you more control over the ingredients. Plus, you can customize the flavor to your liking. If you have a favorite brownie mix, by all means, use it – but don't be afraid to try making your own batter, too.
How to make gluten-free or vegan mini brownie muffins
If you follow a gluten-free or vegan diet, you can still enjoy mini brownie muffins by making a few ingredient substitutions. Here's what to use:
Gluten-Free Mini Brownie Muffins
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter or dairy-free butter substitute
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs or egg replacement
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Vegan Mini Brownie Muffins
- ½ cup (1 stick) vegan butter substitute
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup applesauce (or other egg replacement)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat pastry flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Frequently asked questions about cooking brownies in mini muffin tins
Here are some common questions people have about making mini brownie muffins:
How many mini brownie muffins does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 24 mini brownie muffins.
Can I use this recipe to make regular-sized brownies?
Yes! Simply use a regular-sized muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes.
What else can I use mini muffin tins for?
You can use mini muffin tins to make a variety of bite-sized treats, such as mini quiches, mini muffins, or mini cupcakes. You can even use them to freeze herbs or homemade broth in small portions.
Mini brownie muffin recipe roundup: 10 delicious options to try
If you're looking for more inspiration, here are 10 different mini brownie muffin recipes to try:
- Double Chocolate Mini Brownie Muffins
- Salted Caramel Mini Brownie Muffins
- Peppermint Mini Brownie Muffins
- Mint Chocolate Mini Brownie Muffins
- Peanut Butter Cup Mini Brownie Muffins
- S'mores Mini Brownie Muffins
- Strawberry Swirl Mini Brownie Muffins
- Red Wine Mini Brownie Muffins
- White Chocolate Raspberry Mini Brownie Muffins
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Mini Brownie Muffins
Decorating tips for mini brownie muffins
You can make your mini brownie muffins look even more appealing by adding some frosting or toppings. Here are a few ideas:
- Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top of each muffin
- Sprinkle powdered sugar or cocoa powder over the top of each muffin
- Add whipped cream or whipped coconut cream on top of each muffin
- Top each muffin with a small piece of fruit, such as a raspberry or a blueberry
Conclusion: why cooking brownies in mini muffin tins is a game-changer
Mini muffin tins are a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for a variety of recipes, including bite-sized brownie muffins. With this recipe and some imagination, you can create endless combinations of flavors and toppings for the ultimate mini dessert. Give them a try and see for yourself why cooking brownies in mini muffin tins is a game-changer!
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