Small Pan Brownies

for the one's with minimal self control...like me

prep : 35 minutes

yield : 6 brownies

I cannot be controlled around chocolate desserts. The number of times I’ve said “take this away or hide these from me” is uncountable. But sometimes you just need a sweet little treat to round out the day, so why not bake small! This recipe is perfect for a tiny little pan of yummy rich treats. Fewer leftovers for less guilt/stress eating/horrible self-control - what have you. 

1 stick Unsalted Butter
½ cup Chocolate Pieces, chips work fine! 
¼ cup Cocoa Powder – if you don’t have cocoa use an extra ¼ cup of chocolate pieces 
½ cup Sugar
2 Tbsp Brown Sugar, light or dark 
1 Egg
½ tsp Vanilla Extract 
¼ cup All Purpose Flour 
½ tsp Baking Powder
¼ tsp Kosher Salt 

Optional mix in :
2 Tbsp Nut Butter 
1 ½ tsp Sugar
¼ tsp Kosher Salt

Preheat the oven to 350°

Grease a small baking dish with oil or butter – I use a 6 x 6 dish but it can be even smaller then if you have it. 

Add butter to a small pot or pan over medium heat. Allow it to melt and then brown. This will take about 8-10 minutes. You want a golden brown color, being careful not to burn it. When the butter begins to foam and smell a bit nutty, remove it from the heat. Whisk in chocolate pieces and cocoa powder and stir until smooth and melted. Transfer to a bowl and set aside to cool for a few minutes. 

In the meantime, mix flour, baking powder and salt and set aside. 

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer add the egg, sugar and brown sugar. Beat on high until light and creamy looking. Add vanilla extract and mix to combine. With the mixer on low add a very small amount of the chocolate butter mixture. We need to temper the egg so it doesn’t scramble. Allow it to combine and then add a few tablespoons and mix again. Now slowly add remaining chocolate mix and fully incorporate. Scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula and mix once more. Add the flour, baking powder and salt and blend until just incorporated. 

Transfer to the small baking dish. If you are adding the nut butter mix in place the nut butter, sugar and salt into a small bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir to combine. Using a fork or spoon drag a small channel through the brownie batter to make room for the nut butter. Drizzle nut butter over the top. 

Bake for 20-22 minutes. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting.