Description
These One-Bowl Mini Football Brownies are a delightful treat perfect for game day celebrations. Rich, chewy chocolate brownies are baked in a single bowl to simplify prep, then cut into mini football shapes and decorated with creamy vanilla buttercream laces for a festive finish. With a perfect balance of bittersweet chocolate and cocoa, these bite-sized brownies are sure to score big with chocolate lovers and sports fans alike.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 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
Vanilla Buttercream
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or baking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine the butter and chopped bittersweet chocolate. Melt in 30-second increments, stirring with a rubber spatula after each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Add Cocoa and Sugars: Stir in the sifted Dutch-process cocoa powder. Using a hand mixer, beat until the mixture is very smooth. Then add the granulated and dark brown sugars and beat for 2-3 minutes until the sugars start dissolving (it won’t dissolve completely).
- Incorporate Oils and Flavors: Stir in the neutral oil, espresso powder if using, and vanilla extract. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating on high speed until the mixture lightens in color and texture, about 3-4 minutes.
- Fold in Flour and Salt: Gently fold the all-purpose flour and kosher salt into the chocolate mixture just until no streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies chewy.
- Bake the Brownies: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared 9×13 pan. Bake for 16-20 minutes, until edges are set but center is slightly underdone. Test by inserting a toothpick between edge and center; it should have a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Chill: Let brownies cool completely at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours for easier slicing.
- Cut Football Shapes: Grease a mini football cookie cutter and cut out as many brownies as possible, wiping the cutter between slices to avoid crumbling. You will get about 40 mini football brownies.
- Prepare Vanilla Buttercream: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with half the powdered sugar until fluffy. Add remaining powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
- Finish Frosting: Add milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whip the frosting on high speed until super light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add more milk 1 teaspoon at a time if too thick.
- Decorate Brownies: Fit a piping bag with a small round tip (Wilton #2 recommended) and fill with vanilla buttercream. Pipe a long horizontal line across each brownie, then pipe three vertical lines over it to create football laces.
- Serve and Enjoy: Repeat decorating for all brownies and serve these festive mini football treats at your next game day gathering or party.
Notes
- Cooling and chilling brownies before cutting helps achieve clean, neat football shapes.
- Using espresso powder enhances chocolate flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- If frosting is too thick, add milk gradually to reach desired pipeable consistency.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Store leftover brownies refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American