Name: Orange Chocolate Brownie Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon orange extract; ¾ teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional); 10 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2/3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon orange extract; 2 – 4 tablespoons milk; 3 cups confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray the tins of a 24-cup mini-muffin pan or a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the sugar, cocoa powder, orange extract, and salt. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Quickly whisk in the eggs until well combined. Add the flour and stir until mostly combined, then fold in the mini chocolate chips if using, stirring until no flour remains.

Step 4: Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tins.

Step 5: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes if using the 24-cup mini-muffin pan, or 15 to 20 minutes for the 12-cup muffin pan, until the brownies are set and the tops are cracked and shiny.

Step 6: Let the brownie bites cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then carefully remove them using the tip of a knife and finish cooling on the wire rack.

Step 7: For the frosting, microwave the butter and cocoa powder in a heatproof bowl until the butter is melted. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth.

Step 8: Add the orange extract and 2 tablespoons of milk, stirring to combine. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, stirring slowly at first, then beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.

Step 9: Spread the frosting over the cooled brownie bites. Optionally, top each with a mini mandarin orange slice for extra flavor and decoration. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For an extra citrus punch, zest some orange peel into the batter or frosting.

If you prefer a fudgier texture, slightly underbake the brownies, checking them a minute or two early.

Try substituting orange extract with fresh orange juice for a more natural flavor, but reduce milk slightly in the frosting to compensate for added liquid.

Use dark chocolate chips instead of mini chips for a richer chocolate flavor.

Storage

Store the brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep the frosting fresh. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days, allowing them to come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze unfrosted brownies for up to 3 months; thaw and frost just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini?

Yes, regular-sized chocolate chips work well, but mini chips distribute more evenly in the small brownie bites and melt more consistently without overpowering the texture.

What if I don’t have orange extract?

If you don’t have orange extract, you can use fresh orange zest or a small amount of orange juice for flavor. Keep in mind the juice adds extra liquid, so adjust the frosting’s milk quantity accordingly to maintain the right consistency.