These Decadent Chocolate-Stuffed Brownie Bites are a chocolate lover’s dream! With a rich, fudgy brownie exterior and a surprise chocolate truffle or square filling, each bite is an explosion of chocolatey goodness. These little brownie bites are perfect for parties, dessert platters, or satisfying a quick chocolate craving. Made with simple ingredients and baked to perfection, they’re easy to whip up but guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into making these irresistible, gooey-centered treats that are sure to disappear fast!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), unsalted
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 cup
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup, packed
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup
- Cocoa Powder: 1/4 cup (unsweetened)
- Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Chocolate Squares or Chocolate Truffles: 12-15 pieces, for filling (dark or milk chocolate)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Muffin Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan or line it with mini paper liners. This recipe makes about 12-15 brownie bites, depending on the size of your pan.
- Melt the Butter and Chocolate Chips:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate and butter are melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended and smooth.
- Combine the Chocolate and Wet Ingredients:
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the sugar mixture. Stir well until fully combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies less tender.
- Assemble the Brownie Bites:
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the brownie batter into each mini muffin cup. Press a chocolate square or truffle into the center of each cup, then add a small amount of batter on top to cover the filling.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the edge (not the center) comes out clean. The center may still be gooey due to the chocolate filling.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the brownie bites to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm for an extra gooey center, or at room temperature for a firmer texture.
Nutritional Facts (per brownie bite, based on 15 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 150 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
- Yes, but keep in mind that milk chocolate is sweeter than semi-sweet, which may make the brownie bites slightly sweeter overall.
2. What type of chocolate is best for the filling?
- Dark or milk chocolate squares work great. Chocolate truffles, like Lindt or Ferrero Rocher, also make an indulgent, gooey center.
3. How do I know when the brownie bites are done?
- The edges should be set, and a toothpick inserted near the edge (not the center) should come out mostly clean. The center may appear softer because of the chocolate filling.
4. Can I make these brownie bites gluten-free?
- Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend designed for baking for best results.
5. Can I use a regular muffin pan instead of a mini muffin pan?
- You can, but the baking time will increase. Check for doneness after 18-20 minutes for larger brownie bites.
Tips for Making the Best Chocolate-Stuffed Brownie Bites:
- Use High-Quality Chocolate – Since chocolate is the main flavor, using high-quality chocolate chips and chocolate filling makes a big difference in taste.
- Don’t Overbake – To keep these brownie bites soft and fudgy, avoid overbaking. The edges should be set, but the center should still be slightly gooey.
- Experiment with Fillings – Feel free to try different fillings, like caramel-filled chocolates, peanut butter cups, or even a spoonful of Nutella for a fun twist.
- Serve Warm – For a molten center, serve these brownie bites warm. You can microwave each bite for a few seconds before serving to reheat the filling.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar or Cocoa Powder – For a pretty finishing touch, dust the tops with powdered sugar or cocoa powder before serving.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store any leftover brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: To keep them fresh a bit longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Just note that they may firm up slightly in the fridge.
- Freezing: These brownie bites freeze well! Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before serving if desired.
Conclusion:
These Decadent Chocolate-Stuffed Brownie Bites are the ultimate treat for any chocolate lover. With a rich, fudgy brownie exterior and a gooey chocolate center, each bite is perfectly indulgent and satisfying. Whether served at a party, as an after-dinner treat, or enjoyed on a cozy night in, these brownie bites are sure to be a hit. Easy to make and highly customizable, they’re a delightful twist on classic brownies. Try them warm for an extra gooey experience, and watch them disappear one delicious bite at a time. Enjoy!