Name: One-Bowl Mini Football Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 170 grams unsalted butter, sliced into chunks (3/4 cup); 114 grams bittersweet chocolate, chopped (4 ounces); 72 grams Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted (3/4 cup); 150 grams granulated sugar (3/4 cup); 158 grams dark brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup); 60 grams neutral oil (like canola, vegetable, or avocado) (1/4 cup); 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 80 grams all-purpose flour (2/3 cup); 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt; 60 grams unsalted butter, softened (1/4 cup); 120 grams powdered sugar, sifted (1 cup); 15 milliliters whole milk (1 tablespoon), plus more as needed; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of Kosher salt

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 2 reviews

There is something irresistible about these chewy, fudgy treats shaped like everyone’s favorite fall pastime—the One-Bowl Mini Football Brownies Recipe captures that spirit perfectly! Combining rich bittersweet chocolate, a hint of espresso, and a smooth vanilla buttercream frosting, these brownies are as fun to make as they are to eat. The ease of a one-bowl recipe means less mess and more time to enjoy these adorable, bite-sized delights that everyone at the party will be talking about. Whether you’re gearing up for game day or simply craving a delicious chocolate snack, this recipe delivers joy in every mini football-shaped bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of multiple small white bowls and plates with various baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there is a white speckled plate filled with chopped dark chocolate pieces, followed by a white bowl with three raw eggs showing bright yellow yolks. To the right, a small white bowl holds milk, and next to it, another white bowl is filled with powdered sugar. Below the eggs, a larger white speckled bowl contains granulated sugar, and next to it, a small white bowl has baking soda or powder. A small wooden plate on the lower left holds neatly cut cubes of butter, while in the center right, a wooden bowl is filled with flour. Beside it sits a tiny wooden bowl with vanilla extract and another tiny wooden bowl with cocoa powder. To the bottom right, a glass measuring cup contains clear oil, all neatly displayed and ready for baking preparation, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind the One-Bowl Mini Football Brownies Recipe lies in its simple but powerful collection of ingredients. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect fudgy texture, intense chocolate flavor, and luscious topping that makes these brownies truly memorable.

Unsalted butter (170 grams): Adds richness and a silky smooth foundation to the brownie batter.
Bittersweet chocolate (114 grams): Provides deep cocoa flavor and luscious fudginess.
Dutch-process cocoa powder (72 grams): Enhances the chocolate intensity with a slightly earthy note.
Granulated sugar (150 grams): Balances the bitterness and contributes to chewy edges.
Dark brown sugar (158 grams): Adds moistness and a subtle, caramel-like undertone.
Neutral oil (60 grams): Keeps brownies tender and moist without overpowering flavors.
Espresso powder (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Intensifies the chocolate taste without adding coffee flavor.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth to the batter.
Large eggs (3): Provide structure and richness, ensuring the perfect fudgy texture.
All-purpose flour (80 grams): Just enough to give the brownies body without heaviness.
Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and highlights chocolate flavors.
Unsalted butter for frosting (60 grams): Creates a creamy base for the vanilla buttercream.
Powdered sugar (120 grams): Sweetens and smooths the frosting for easy piping.
Whole milk (15 milliliters): Lightens the frosting for an airy texture.
Vanilla extract for frosting (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers a fragrant, classic sweetness.
Pinch of Kosher salt for frosting: Enhances all the sweet flavors in the buttercream.

How to Make One-Bowl Mini Football Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or baking spray, then line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy brownie removal later. This step ensures your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly without sticking.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate

Place the butter and bittersweet chocolate chunks into a large, microwave-safe mixing bowl. Melt them together in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and fully melted. This creates the luscious chocolate base that makes your brownies irresistibly fudgy.

Step 3: Add Cocoa and Sugars

Stir in the sifted Dutch-process cocoa powder, then use a hand mixer to beat until the mixture turns very smooth. Add both granulated and dark brown sugars, beating further to combine until the sugar begins to dissolve and the batter becomes glossy and luscious.

Step 4: Incorporate Oil, Espresso, Vanilla, and Eggs

Mix in the neutral oil, espresso powder if using, and vanilla extract with a gentle stir. Next, add eggs one at a time, beating on high speed for about 3 to 4 minutes after all eggs are incorporated. This aerates the batter, lightening its color and texture beautifully.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the flour and salt into the chocolate mixture with a spatula, stirring just until no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep your brownies tender and melt-in-your-mouth perfect.

Step 6: Bake Your Brownies

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 16 to 20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick between edge and center—only a few moist crumbs mean these brownies are ready. Let cool fully to develop that classic chewy texture.

Step 7: Chill and Cut

For easier slicing, cover and refrigerate the brownies for 1 to 2 hours. Then, grease your mini football-shaped cookie cutter and carefully stamp out as many brownies as you can. Wiping the cutter between slices prevents crumbs and keeps each brownie intact and cleanly shaped—total yield is about 40 mini footballs!

Step 8: Make the Vanilla Buttercream

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with half the powdered sugar until fluffy. Add remaining sugar, then milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Whip on high for 3-4 minutes until the frosting is super light and pipe-friendly. Thin with a splash more milk if needed.

Step 9: Decorate the Mini Footballs

Fit a piping bag with a small round tip like Wilton #2, fill with buttercream, and pipe a horizontal line across each brownie. Rotate it 90 degrees and add 3 small vertical lines over the horizontal one—that’s your classic football lace detail! Repeat until all brownies are adorned.

How to Serve One-Bowl Mini Football Brownies Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick dark brown chocolate batter, showing smooth and creamy texture with swirling patterns on the surface. A wooden spatula is stuck into the batter, its blade covered in the glossy chocolate mix. The inside edges of the bowl are smeared with chocolate, and the bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These bite-sized brownies look charming on their own, but try dusting them lightly with cocoa powder or edible gold shimmer for extra flair. A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts adds crunch and contrasts beautifully with the soft, fudgy texture.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for a decadent dessert spread. Fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce pairs wonderfully, cutting through the richness while keeping the football theme festive and fun.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your mini football brownies on a platter shaped like a football field using green-tinted shredded coconut as “grass.” Add some fresh mint leaves as “goal posts,” creating a dessert centerpiece that steals the show at any party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These brownies keep beautifully stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Refrigerate if your kitchen is warm or if you prefer a firmer texture. Just bring to room temperature before serving for the best experience.

Freezing

Mini football brownies freeze excellently! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep delicious for up to two months.

Reheating

Enjoy frozen brownies by thawing them at room temperature for about an hour or microwaving for 15-20 seconds to bring out their gooey, fudgy charm. Avoid overheating to preserve the delicate buttercream piping details.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of equal measure. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.

Is the espresso powder necessary?

Espresso powder is optional but highly recommended—it enhances the chocolate flavor without adding any coffee taste. If you don’t have it, your brownies will still be deliciously rich.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of bittersweet?

Yes, dark chocolate works well but bittersweet provides a nice balance of sweetness and depth. Dark chocolate will make brownies slightly more intense and less sweet, which can be delightful depending on your preference.

How do I keep the buttercream from melting on warm days?

Make sure your frosting is whipped until very fluffy and chill the decorated brownies before serving. Keep them refrigerated, and bring to room temperature shortly before enjoying to avoid melting.

What if I don’t have a mini football cookie cutter?

No worries! You can cut the brownies into squares or rectangles and pipe football designs freehand on top, or use any small cookie cutter shapes you love to keep the festive spirit alive.

Final Thoughts

The One-Bowl Mini Football Brownies Recipe is a total game-changer for your dessert lineup—fun to make, super flavorful, and guaranteed to wow your friends and family. Dive in, grab your mixing bowl, and get ready to share these charming little brownies; they’re sure to become a new favorite for all your celebrations!