Brownie Bites from Brownie Mix

Whether you’re looking for a perfectly portioned treat or a hand-held dessert to share at a potluck, these brownie bites from brownie mix are just the right size to satisfy a chocolate craving without going overboard. They’re easy to customize with mix-ins or toppings, and ideal for bake sales, school parties, lunchboxes and holiday cookie trays.

This recipe starts with a boxed brownie mix, making the brownies quick and easy to whip up. Simply prepare the brownie batter and divide it into mini muffin cups. Brownies in a mini muffin pan bake up in a fraction of the time it takes to make a whole pan, and no messy slicing is required. Each brownie bite guarantees crisp edges and a soft, chewy center so there are no corner pieces or overly gooey center cuts. Finish each brownie bite with a chocolate kiss and confectioner’s sugar for a fun, festive touch.

Ingredients for Brownie Bites from Brownie Mix

• Fudge brownie mix: Boxed brownie mix is an easy shortcut to rich, fudgy brownies with deep chocolate flavor that involves minimal prep. Check out our Test Kitchen’s top-rated brownie mixes for standout brownie bites. Prefer baking from scratch? You can easily swap in your favorite brownie batter recipe.
• Chocolate kisses: A candy center is optional, but it makes each brownie bite feel extra-special. Press a milk or dark chocolate kiss into each brownie bite after baking (similar to peanut butter blossom cookies), or switch it up with seasonal kiss flavors like striped, cherry cordial or peppermint to match the occasion.
• Confectioner’s sugar: This optional finishing touch adds extra sweetness and gives the brownie bites a polished look. Be sure to sprinkle it on only after the brownie bites have thoroughly cooled—otherwise, the sugar will melt.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the brownie mix

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions. If your brownie mix offers options for cakey and fudgy brownies, follow the instructions for fudgelike brownies to create bites with a rich, chewy texture.

Editor’s Tip: Most boxed brownie mixes call for eggs, oil (or melted butter) and water. Add vanilla extract or one of our other ingredient hacks to enhance the chocolate flavor to make brownie mix taste even better.

Step 2: Line and fill the mini muffin tins

Line 48 miniature muffin cups with paper liners, then fill each two-thirds full with the prepared brownie batter.

Editor’s Tip: A small cookie scoop makes filling the muffin cups quick, precise and mess-free.

Step 3: Bake the brownie bites

Bake the brownie bites for 18 to 21 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out mostly clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 4: Garnish with candy and/or sugar

If decorating with candy, press a chocolate kiss into each brownie bite right after baking while they’re still warm. Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, finish the bites with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.

Editor’s Tip: Let the brownie bites cool for a few minutes before adding the chocolate kisses—it’ll help keep the candy from melting too much and help hold its shape.

Recipe Variations

• Top with different candy: Top your brownie bites with other candy toppings, like mini peanut butter cups, caramel-filled chocolates or bite-sized candy bars.
• Decorate with frosting and sprinkles: After cooling, pipe fluffy vanilla frosting or spread chocolate ganache on each brownie bite for a bakery-worthy presentation. Add colorful sprinkles to match the season or occasion.
• Make ’em bigger: To make full-sized brownies, bake the batter in a standard muffin tin and increase the baking time accordingly.
• Add a mix-in: Stir chopped nuts, chocolate chips or dried fruit into the brownie batter for extra texture and flavor.
• Skip the paper liners: For extra-crispy edges, lightly coat the mini muffin cups with cooking spray and bake the brownie bites directly in the pan. Once cooled and removed from the pan, pop them into decorative cupcake liners for a polished presentation.

How to Store Brownie Bites from Brownie Mix

Let the brownie bites cool completely before packing them into an airtight container. Separate layers with pieces of parchment or waxed paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep for three to four days at room temperature, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Can you freeze brownie bites made from brownie mix?

Yes! Whether you start with a boxed mix or homemade batter, brownies of all sizes freeze exceptionally well. Once cooled, arrange the brownie bites in a freezer-safe container with parchment or waxed paper separating the layers. Store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Brownie Bites from Brownie Mix Tips

Can you use homemade brownie batter instead of a boxed mix?

Absolutely! Homemade brownie batter works just as well as a boxed mix for these brownie bites. Prepare your favorite fudgy brownie recipe, then portion the batter and bake it in a mini muffin tin. The baking time may vary depending on the recipe, so keep an eye on them and ensure they pass the toothpick test before pulling them from the oven.

How long does it take to cook brownies in a mini muffin pan?

It takes about 15 to 20 minutes in a 350° oven to bake brownies in a mini muffin pan. They bake much faster because they’re much smaller than a whole pan, which can take up to 50 minutes. To prevent overbaking, check for doneness a few minutes before the minimum bake time to ensure perfect results.

How do you know when brownie bites are done?

You’ll know brownie bites are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If you see wet batter, they need to bake for longer. The tops of the brownie bites should also look set and slightly crackled, not wet or jiggly.