Dark Chocolate Espresso Brownie Bites Recipe

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Rest Time 10 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 175  C
Servings: 24
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

Indulge in the rich and intense flavor of these Dark Chocolate Espresso Brownie Bites — small but irresistibly decadent treats that combine the bold depth of espresso with the smooth luxury of dark chocolate. Each bite delivers a fudgy, moist center and a delicate crackly top, making them perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Ideal for parties, gifting, or your afternoon pick-me-up, these brownie bites are the perfect blend of sophistication and sweetness in one bite-sized delight.

Ingredients
    For the Brownie Batter:
  • 1 cup (170g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar (50g)
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp instant espresso powder (or finely ground espresso beans)
  • ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
    • Optional Mix-ins:
  • ½ cup (90g) dark chocolate chips or chunks
  • ½ cup (60g) chopped toasted nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts)
    • For Garnish (Optional):
  • A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt
  • A dusting of cocoa powder or espresso powder
  • A drizzle of melted dark chocolate
Instructions
    Prepare the Baking Pan and Oven
  1. 1
    Preheat your oven to 175°C. Line a 24-cup mini muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease each cavity with non-stick spray. This will ensure the brownie bites are easy to remove after baking and maintain their perfect shape.
    2. Melt Chocolate and Butter Together
  2. 2
    In a heatproof bowl, combine dark chocolate and butter. Melt using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each round until smooth and glossy. Once melted, set it aside to cool for about 5 minutes. This cooling step is crucial — it prevents the eggs from cooking prematurely when mixed in later.
    3. Add Sugars and Whisk Until Glossy
  3. 3
    Add granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the melted chocolate mixture. Whisk until fully incorporated. The batter should become slightly thick and shiny — a good indicator that the sugars have started to dissolve properly.
    4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
  4. 4
    Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract. This step adds structure, shine, and that classic brownie texture.
    5. Blend in the Espresso Flavor
  5. 5
    Whisk in espresso powder until fully dissolved. The espresso doesn’t make the brownies taste like coffee; instead, it deepens the chocolate flavor for a richer, bolder taste.
    6. Fold in Dry Ingredients
  6. 6
    Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt into a separate bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Mix only until combined — overmixing can lead to dense, dry brownies.
    7. Add Optional Mix-ins
  7. 7
    If you’d like extra texture or richness, fold in dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts at this stage. This step adds a delightful crunch and enhances the chocolate intensity.
    8. Portion the Batter
  8. 8
    Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon to ensure even baking.
    9. Bake the Brownie Bites
  9. 9
    Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Avoid overbaking, as the brownies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
    10. Cool and Garnish
  10. 10
    Let the brownie bites cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt, espresso powder, or drizzle with melted dark chocolate for an elegant finish.
Note

Storage: Store the brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Wrap each brownie bite individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

For extra flavor: Add a teaspoon of orange zest or a hint of cinnamon to the batter.

For a mocha twist: Swirl in a teaspoon of cream cheese mixture before baking.

Make it dairy-free: Use vegan butter and dairy-free dark chocolate.

Keywords: dark chocolate, espresso brownies, mini desserts, fudgy brownies, bite-sized treats
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/dark-chocolate-espresso-brownie-bites-recipe/