These two-bite Bourbon Pecan Brownie Bites are the perfect little indulgence. They're rich, fudgy, and packed with deep, nutty flavor and texture. The combination of intense chocolatey goodness with the sweet caramel notes of bourbon will make these your go-to brownie treats.
Serve them at a party, gift them to a fellow dessert lover, or sneak one (or a couple) with your coffee!
A dusting of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of caramel takes these brownie bites to the next level—because why not make them even more irresistible?
The melted chocolate chips and hint of espresso powder instantly deepens the richness of flavor. Pair these decadent nibbles with a cup of coffee or a glass or bourbon! They're also the perfect size to pack in picnics, lunch boxes, or to add to a table of bite-size treats for those special occasions.
Why You'll Love This Brownie Recipe
- These rich and decadent brownie bites are the perfect treats for chocolate enthusiasts. They're fudgy inside with a crispy and crunchy topping – a sure way to get your chocolate fix!
- They're super quick to make, in taking only about 35 minutes to make a fudgy batch!
- The bourbon adds an incredible flavor undertone, while the espresso helps to enrich the chocolatey flavor!
I often get asked whether these “boozy” brownies contain a level of alcohol that would make them unsuitable to kids.
While bourbon contains alcohol and is a key ingredient to adding incredible flavor to these brownies, the majority of the alcohol evaporates from the heat of the baking process, so I would leave the choice up to the parents.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Butter – I like to use salted butter in these brownie bites. The salt in the butter enhances the flavor of the chocolate. You can use unsalted butter, but then you need to add ¼ teaspoon of salt into the brownie mixture.
- Chocolate chips – I love the semi sweet chocolate chips for these boozy brownie bites, but you could use milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips instead.
- Flour – All-purpose flour is great as a sturdy flour for these brownies.
- Cocoa powder – Use unsweetened cocoa powder so that you can more easily control the level of sweetness in these brownie treats.
- Espresso powder – The perfect ingredient in baked chocolate treats as it enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Sugar – I've used granulated sugar for sweetness, but you can use light brown sugar instead.
- Eggs – Bring to room temperature.
- Vanilla extract – For depth of flavor.
- Bourbon – A key ingredient for these boozy brownie bites. Bourbon's notes of vanilla, caramel and toasted marshmallow make it the perfect addition for making brownies.
- Pecans – Chopped pecans for the brownie mixture plus 24 pecan halves to top the brownies. Walnuts can be used instead. Omit these for nut allergies.
Tips for making these two-bite Fudgy Bourbon Pecan Brownie Bites
These bourbon pecan brownie bites are as easy to make as a standard brownie, so you'll find the same, if not similar, baking tips below to ensure the best results:
- Don't overmix the brownie mixture or you will make overly dense brownie bites.
- It's important to grease the muffin pan well as these brownies tend to stick and will be difficult to remove if you don't grease them. I find it's best to run a small knife around the edges of each muffin cup once the brownies have cooled slightly (about 10 minutes). This will help to loosen and lift the brownie bites so that they can then be transferred to the wire rack to cool completely.
- Add the halved pecans to the top of each muffin cup filled with brownie batter and ready to be baked. This will ensure that the nuts bake slightly into the brownie bites and remain in position.
- You can enjoy these bourbon pecan brownie bites warm, completely cool, or chilled from storage in the fridge.
- Allow the melted butter and chocolate chips to cool slightly before adding it to the other ingredients, especially since this recipe contains eggs.
- If you don't want to use bourbon or any type of alcohol in these brownie bites, feel free to replace the bourbon with water or milk as a replacement for the liquid.
Storage & Freezer Tips
- Room Temperature: Store these bourbon pecan brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage time, place these brownie bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezer: These brownies freeze well in a storage bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw these frozen brownie bites overnight in the fridge to serve.
More Fudgy Brownie Recipes
Bourbon Pecan Brownie Bites
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter 1 stick
- ½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- ⅔ cup all purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- ½ cup chopped pecans plus 24 pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a mini muffin pan very well using a neutral oil.
- In a bowl that’s microwave safe, add the butter and chocolate chips. Microwave the mixture in 20 second intervals, stirring after each 20 seconds until the mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool a bit.
- In a separate large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder and espresso powder. Set aside.
- In another separate mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla and bourbon until nice and smooth (1-2 minutes). Now slowly stir in your melted chocolate mixture.
- Fold in your dry ingredients into your wet ingredients. Fold only until the mixture is just combined. Try not to overmix. Now fold in pecans until they are distributed evenly, keeping in mind not to overmix.
- Spoon the brownie batter into the mini muffin tin. Fill each cup close to ¾ full. Put a pecan half on top of each brownie.
- Bake brownies for about 12-14 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with just some moist crumbs. You don’t want the toothpick to be wet though. Make sure not to overbake.
- Remove brownies from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes take a small knife and loosen the brownies by carefully running the knife around the edges of each muffin cup and lift out the brownies and put them on a rack to finish cooling, or enjoy warm.
Notes
David's Tips for Success
For extra fudginess: Underbake slightly (toothpick should have some crumbs).Toasting pecans: Bake at 350°F for 5-7 mins first for deeper flavor.
Bourbon swap: Use rum or brandy for a different twist.
No sticking: Grease pan very well or use mini parchment liners.
Caramel Sauce: Adding a little caramel drizzle to the brownies before serving is a delicious rich addition.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these without alcohol?
Yes! Replace bourbon with 2 tbsp milk + ½ tsp vanilla extract.
Can I use a regular muffin pan?
Yes, but bake 15-18 mins and adjust servings (makes ~12 larger brownies). Just remember that they will be bigger.
Can I use walnuts instead?
Absolutely! Toasted walnuts work great.
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