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One-Bowl Mini Football Brownies Recipe


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4.1 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 40 mini football brownies

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Cool and Chill: Let brownies cool completely at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours for easier slicing.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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