Decadent Brownie Bites with Sea Salt: A Sweet and Salty Delight

Brownie bites are the perfect little treat – easy to make, perfectly portioned, and endlessly customizable. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt elevates these already delicious morsels into something truly special. The combination of rich, fudgy chocolate and the subtle crunch of salt creates an irresistible sweet and salty symphony that will have everyone reaching for more. This recipe will guide you through making these decadent brownie bites, step-by-step, ensuring a perfect bake every time.

Why Sea Salt Brownie Bites?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s explore why sea salt and brownies are a match made in heaven. The salt doesn’t just add a contrasting flavor; it enhances the chocolate’s richness, making it taste even more intense and complex. The slight saltiness also cuts through the sweetness, preventing the brownies from becoming cloying. The texture contrast of the flaky salt against the fudgy brownie adds another layer of enjoyment. These aren’t just ordinary brownies; they’re an experience!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these delightful brownie bites, gather the following ingredients:

* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1 cup (120g). Provides structure and texture.
* **Unsweetened Cocoa Powder:** ½ cup (45g). Use a good quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will yield a darker, richer brownie.
* **Baking Powder:** ½ teaspoon. Helps the brownies rise slightly and become tender.
* **Salt:** ¼ teaspoon (plus extra for sprinkling). Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness. Use fine sea salt in the batter and flaky sea salt for topping.
* **Unsalted Butter:** ½ cup (113g), melted. Adds richness and moisture. Melting the butter helps create a fudgy texture.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 cup (200g). Sweetens the brownies and contributes to their tender texture.
* **Brown Sugar:** ½ cup (100g), packed. Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor.
* **Eggs:** 2 large. Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the chocolate flavor.
* **Chocolate Chips:** ½ cup (optional). Adds extra chocolatey goodness. Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.
* **Flaky Sea Salt:** For sprinkling on top.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Mixing Bowls:** Two mixing bowls, one large and one medium.
* **Whisk:** For combining dry ingredients.
* **Rubber Spatula:** For folding ingredients together.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring.
* **Muffin Tin:** A standard 24-cup muffin tin. Mini muffin tins also work well, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time.
* **Muffin Liners (optional):** Makes cleanup easier.
* **Toothpick:** For testing doneness.
* **Wire Rack:** For cooling the brownie bites.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect sea salt brownie bites.

**1. Preheat and Prepare:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the center position.
* Line a 24-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin well with cooking spray. This prevents the brownie bites from sticking and makes for easy removal.

**2. Combine Dry Ingredients:**

* In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed and that there are no lumps of cocoa powder.

**3. Melt Butter and Combine with Sugars:**

* In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is well combined and smooth. The melted butter helps the sugars dissolve, creating a smooth and glossy base for the brownies.

**4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:**

* Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, whisking well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated and that the batter is emulsified. Add the vanilla extract and whisk to combine.

**5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:**

* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.

**6. Fold in Chocolate Chips (Optional):**

* If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

**7. Fill Muffin Tin:**

* Spoon the brownie batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. Using a cookie scoop or a piping bag can help ensure that each brownie bite is the same size.

**8. Sprinkle with Sea Salt:**

* Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each brownie bite. Don’t be shy with the salt; it’s what makes these brownies special. The sea salt will melt slightly during baking, creating a beautiful and delicious crust.

**9. Bake:**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. The baking time will vary depending on your oven and the size of your muffin tin. Start checking for doneness at 12 minutes and add more time as needed.

**10. Cool and Enjoy:**

* Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the brownie bites cool in the tin for a few minutes. This allows them to set slightly before removing them.
* Transfer the brownie bites to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling them on a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy.
* Once cooled, enjoy your decadent sea salt brownie bites! They’re perfect as an afternoon treat, a dessert after dinner, or a sweet addition to a party platter.

Tips for Perfect Brownie Bites

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your brownie bites. Use good quality cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and sea salt for the best results.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing the batter will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
* **Accurate Measuring:** Accurate measuring is crucial for baking success. Use measuring cups and spoons and level off the ingredients.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly brownies. Start checking for doneness at the minimum baking time and add more time as needed.
* **Let Them Cool:** Allow the brownie bites to cool completely before serving. This will allow them to set and develop their fudgy texture.
* **Salt Selection:** Use a flaky sea salt for the best flavor and texture. Maldon sea salt flakes are a popular choice.
* **Vary the Chocolate:** Experiment with different types of chocolate chips. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips can be used.

Variations and Add-Ins

These sea salt brownie bites are delicious as is, but you can also customize them to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

* **Nuts:** Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for a nutty crunch.
* **Caramel:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the brownie bites after baking.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate flavor.
* **Peanut Butter:** Swirl peanut butter into the batter before baking for a peanut butter and chocolate combination.
* **Pretzel Pieces:** Add crushed pretzel pieces to the batter for a salty and crunchy twist.
* **M&Ms:** Press M&Ms into the tops of the brownie bites before baking for a colorful and fun treat.
* **Cream Cheese Swirl:** Mix softened cream cheese with a little sugar and vanilla extract. Swirl it into the brownie batter before baking for a cheesecake-like brownie bite.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients for a warm and spicy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Sea salt brownie bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **As a Dessert:** Serve them as a simple and satisfying dessert after dinner.
* **Party Platter:** Add them to a party platter alongside other desserts and snacks.
* **Gifts:** Package them in a decorative box or bag and give them as gifts to friends and family.
* **Lunchbox Treat:** Pack them in a lunchbox for a sweet and indulgent treat.
* **Ice Cream Topping:** Crumble them over ice cream for a decadent sundae.
* **Coffee Pairing:** Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea.

Storage Instructions

To keep your sea salt brownie bites fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the brownie bites individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Recipe

**Yields:** 24 brownie bites
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 12-15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
* ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
* ½ teaspoon baking powder
* ¼ teaspoon salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
* ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
* ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
* Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 24-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Fold in chocolate chips, if using.
7. Spoon batter into muffin tin, filling each cup ¾ full.
8. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
10. Let cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious sea salt brownie bites!

Nutritional Information (approximate per brownie bite)

* Calories: 120
* Fat: 7g
* Saturated Fat: 4g
* Cholesterol: 25mg
* Sodium: 50mg
* Carbohydrates: 15g
* Sugar: 10g
* Protein: 1g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Conclusion

These sea salt brownie bites are a delightful combination of sweet and salty, rich and fudgy, and incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible treats in no time. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a party snack, or a thoughtful gift, these brownie bites are sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a truly decadent experience. Happy baking!