Muffin Pan Brownies Recipe

Yield: 12 brownie cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14-16 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes (in pan) + optional 10 minutes (on rack)
Total Time: ~35-40 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
Intensity: Low effort, high reward. Requires one bowl and basic mixing.

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process or natural)

• 1/2 cup (63g) all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 cup (85g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks, plus more for topping

Optional Add-Ins:

• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

• Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)

• A swirl of peanut butter or Nutella

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a standard 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter. Do not use paper liners, as the brownies will stick; you want them to form their own delicious crust directly against the pan.

Step 2: Melt the Butter & Sugar

In a medium-large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in 30-second bursts until just liquid. Immediately add the granulated sugar to the hot butter and whisk vigorously for about 45 seconds. This helps begin dissolving the sugar, which contributes to a shiny, crackly top. Let the mixture cool for 2 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Batter

To the butter-sugar mixture, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk energetically until the mixture is well-blended, smooth, and slightly thickened (about 1 minute).

Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder directly over the wet ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.

Step 4: Portion and Top

Divide the thick batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. They should be about 2/3 to 3/4 full. Press a few extra chocolate chips or chunks onto the top of each portion. For a gourmet touch, sprinkle each with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 14 to 16 minutes. This is crucial: the centers will still look soft and slightly underdone, and a toothpick inserted will come out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Do not overbake! The residual heat will continue to cook them as they cool. This is the secret to a fudgy center.

Step 6: Cool and Release

Allow the brownie cups to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 full minutes. This allows them to set and firm up. Then, carefully run a small offset spatula or a butter knife around the edges of each brownie to loosen. Gently lift them out and transfer to the rack to cool completely, or enjoy warm.

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Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Eggs: This is key for proper emulsification and a smooth, glossy batter. If you forgot, place cold eggs in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes.

• The Grease is Key: Don’t skimp on greasing the pan. This ensures you get those beautiful, intact brownie cups with all the crispy edges.

• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix only until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher, cakier brownies.

• Storage: Store cooled brownie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

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Nutrition Information

*(Per brownie cup, based on 12 servings, calculated without optional add-ins)*

• Calories: ~210 kcal

• Total Fat: 11g

• Saturated Fat: 7g

• Cholesterol: 50mg

• Sodium: 75mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 27g

• Dietary Fiber: 1g

• Sugars: 21g

• Protein: 3g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate provided by a third-party application. Values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

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The Last Bite

These Muffin Pan Brownies are more than a clever trick—they are a fundamental upgrade to the brownie experience. They solve the portion problem, maximize textural contrast, and deliver deep, uncompromising chocolate flavor in every single bite. Whether you’re a edge-piece lover or center-piece devotee, this recipe guarantees everyone gets their favorite part. Quick to make, even quicker to disappear, they are the perfect proof that the best things often come in small, deliciously fudgy packages.