Mini Walnut Brownies

These rich, fudgy mini walnut brownies pack all the indulgence of full-sized brownies into perfectly portioned squares. Each bite delivers a dense, chocolatey base studded with crunchy toasted walnuts and finished with a signature crackly top. These mini walnut brownies are perfect for parties, gift-giving, or satisfying chocolate cravings without the temptation of oversized portions.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: 48 mini brownies
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

For Optional Chocolate Drizzle:

• 2 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Prepare your workspace. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving 2-inch overhangs on the long sides. Spray parchment lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Toast the walnuts. Spread chopped walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast in preheated oven for 6-8 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove and let cool while preparing the batter. Keep oven at 325°F.
3. Melt chocolate and butter. Cut butter into cubes and combine with chopped chocolate in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until completely smooth. This typically takes 90 seconds total. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. Build the base mixture. Whisk granulated sugar into the cooled chocolate mixture until well combined and slightly glossy. Add eggs one at a time, beating vigorously after each addition until the mixture becomes thick and smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Add this mixture to the chocolate base and stir just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing, which can create tough brownies.
6. Add mix-ins. Fold in toasted walnuts and mini chocolate chips if using. The nuts should be evenly distributed throughout the batter for consistent texture in every mini brownie.
7. Bake to perfection. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly with an offset spatula. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the top looks set but still has a slight shine. A toothpick inserted in center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool completely. Allow mini walnut brownies to cool in the pan for at least 2 hours. This cooling time is essential for achieving clean cuts and preventing crumbling when you slice them.
9. Cut into mini squares. Using parchment overhangs, lift the entire brownie slab onto a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut into 8 rows by 6 columns to create 48 mini squares. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.
10. Add optional drizzle. For chocolate-drizzled brownies, melt dark chocolate with coconut oil in 15-second microwave intervals until smooth. Transfer to a small ziplock bag, snip one corner, and drizzle over cooled brownies. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.

Tips for Success

Temperature matters for texture. Baking at 325°F instead of 350°F prevents the edges from overcooking while the center finishes. This lower temperature creates more even baking throughout these mini walnut brownies.

Don’t skip the toasting step. Toasted walnuts develop deeper, nuttier flavors that complement the chocolate beautifully. Raw walnuts can taste slightly bitter and lack the satisfying crunch that makes these brownies special.

Watch for visual cues. Perfect brownies should have a set surface with just a hint of shine remaining. If the surface looks completely matte and dry, they’re likely overbaked and will be cake-like rather than fudgy.

Room temperature eggs blend easier. Cold eggs can cause the melted chocolate to seize up. If you forget to bring eggs to room temperature, place them in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes before using.

Recipe Variations

Espresso walnut brownies: Add 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee.

White chocolate walnut: Replace mini chocolate chips with white chocolate chunks and add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a sophisticated flavor combination that balances the rich chocolate base.

Maple pecan version: Substitute pecans for walnuts and replace vanilla extract with maple extract. Drizzle cooled brownies with pure maple syrup for an autumn-inspired treat.

Salted caramel surprise: Press soft caramel squares into the batter before baking, then sprinkle finished brownies with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast.

Storage Instructions

Store mini walnut brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 days. Layer between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking together. The flavors actually develop and improve after 24 hours of storage.

For longer storage, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. The texture remains perfectly fudgy after freezing.

If you’ve added the chocolate drizzle, allow it to set completely before stacking or storing to prevent smudging.

Nutritional Highlights

Walnuts provide healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber, making these mini walnut brownies more nutritious than plain chocolate versions. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids that may support heart health. Each mini brownie contains approximately 85 calories, making portion control effortless.

The smaller size naturally encourages mindful eating while still delivering satisfying chocolate indulgence. These mini portions are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without overwhelming your daily calorie goals.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange these mini walnut brownies on a tiered serving tray for parties, or pack them in decorative boxes for homemade gifts. They’re ideal for bake sales, potluck desserts, or anytime you need individual portions.

Pair with vanilla ice cream and fresh raspberries for an elegant plated dessert, or serve alongside coffee and tea for afternoon treats. The rich chocolate flavor complements bold coffee blends particularly well.

For special occasions, dust with powdered sugar just before serving or arrange on parchment-lined platters with other bite-sized desserts. These mini walnut brownies also make excellent additions to dessert charcuterie boards.

Try making a double batch and experimenting with different variations to create an assortment that offers something for every chocolate lover. The mini size makes it easy to sample multiple flavors without overindulging.