If you love rich, indulgent desserts but don't want a full pan tempting you all week, these small batch brownies are your answer. With a deeply fudgy brownie base spiked with bourbon, a creamy layer of Biscoff cookie butter buttercream, and a silky chocolate ganache on top, these bourbon brownies bring serious flavor in every bite. Inspired by the iconic spice of a Biscoff butter cookie, these Biscoff brownies are layered, luscious, and just the right size for two.

This recipe is one of those treasures that gets passed from one kitchen to another-the kind you scribble into the margins of a cookbook because it's just too good to lose.
Recently, a friend was raving about my fudgy, better-than-box brownies found in my cookbook, around our table for two and casually mentioned Biscoff brownies. You know, that little cookie you get when the drinks cart comes down the aisle on a Delta flight. (And living in Minneapolis, let's be honest-that's basically our airline.)
Naturally, I had to dig in.
That search led me to Zoë Bakes Cookies by Zoë François. When I realized she's also right here in Minneapolis, I reached out to see if she'd be open to a small batch version-and she generously said yes.
And now… here we are.
A black-tie brownie moment. Still approachable, still deeply chocolatey-but dressed up just enough to feel like a party.
Jump to:
- What Are Biscoff Brownies?
- Why This Small Batch Brownie Recipe Works
- Ingredient Spotlight
- Step-by-Step: How to Make Small Batch Bourbon Biscoff Brownies
- Baking for Two Tips
- Boozy Biscoff Brownies Variations
- How to Serve These (Black Tie Optional)
- Troubleshooting this recipe
- If You Love This, Try These Small Batch Favorites
- Small Batch Bourbon Biscoff Cookie Butter Brownies Recipe
- my new cookbook is here!
What Are Biscoff Brownies?
Biscoff brownies are rich, fudgy chocolate brownies made even better with Biscoff cookie butter, a spread made from spiced caramelized cookies. It adds a warm, slightly spiced sweetness that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
What Makes These Different?
- Small batch (perfect for two)
- Bourbon-infused for depth
- Finished as elegant 3 layer bars with buttercream and glaze
In this version, the bourbon brownies are built in layers: a fudgy chocolate brownie base brushed with bourbon, a layer of bourbon-spiked Biscoff cookie butter, and finally a smooth chocolate ganache on top. The result is a deeply indulgent dessert that balances rich chocolate, warm spice, and a subtle boozy kick in every bite.
And if bourbon isn't your thing, don't worry-I've got you covered. These Biscoff brownies also work beautifully with variations like Baileys Irish Cream chocolate brownies or chocolate stout brownies, where both the brownie base and the Biscoff buttercream can be infused with either Baileys Irish cream or a rich stout beer for an even deeper, more complex flavor.

Why This Small Batch Brownie Recipe Works
- Perfectly Sized for Two - We swap the standard square pan for a loaf pan and cut this down to 8 servings. It's just enough to enjoy without committing to a full tray of brownies on the counter all week.
- Loaf Pan = Fudgy Centers - A smaller, deeper pan means thicker batter, which means soft, gooey centers-the kind of brownie you hope for but don't always get.
- Three Layers of Deliciousness - the first is a deep, fudgy bourbon brownie base. The second a Creamy Biscoff buttercream. And the last is a glossy chocolate glaze.
- Boozy but Balanced - The bourbon bakes into the batter, leaving behind warmth and depth-not a sharp alcohol flavor. Then we brush a little more on top while they're hot for moisture and aroma.
- The Secret Ingredient - Biscoff cookie butter melts into the buttercream and adds that signature caramel-spice flavor that makes people stop mid-bite and ask, "Wait… what is that?"
Ingredient Spotlight
What is Biscoff Cookie Butter?
If you haven't baked with it yet, you're in for a treat. It's made from crushed Biscoff cookies and has a flavor somewhere between caramel, spice, and shortbread. You'll usually find it right next to the peanut butter at the store.
Why Add Bourbon to Brownies?
Bourbon deepens the chocolate flavor in a way that vanilla alone can't. Most of the alcohol bakes out, leaving behind richness and a subtle warmth that makes these bourbon brownies feel a little extra special.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Small Batch Bourbon Biscoff Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a greased 5 x 7-inch loaf pan with greased foil or parchment paper sling, letting it hang over the sides-this makes lifting the brownies out later so much easier.
In a small bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set that aside while we move on to the good stuff.
Step 2: Melt, Stir, and Build That Chocolate Base
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the butter, sugar, vanilla, and part of the bourbon (2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons). Let it gently come together-no rushing here.
Once it's warm and smooth, take it off the heat and add about 4 ounces of chopped chocolate. Don't stir right away. Let it sit for a couple of minutes so the chocolate can melt on its own (this is one of those little tricks that makes a big difference).
Then whisk until smooth and glossy. Let sit for awhile before adding the egg (we don't want to cook the egg. Give the egg a good whisk. You'll see the batter turn thick and shiny-this is exactly what you want for that fudgy texture.
Fold in the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula, just until combined. Stir in the remaining chocolate.
Step 4: Bake Until Just Right

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan.

Bake for 20 to 24 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center should still have a slight wobble.
Step 5: Add the Biscoff Layer
Once cooled, it's time for the biscoff cookie butter buttercream layer.
In a bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the Biscoff cookie butter and bourbon and mix until creamy.

Spread this layer over the brownies, smoothing it out as much as you like-this is where you can go rustic or perfectly polished depending on your mood.

Pop the pan into the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 5: Finish with Chocolate Ganache
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and butter in short bursts, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly so it doesn't melt the layer underneath.
Pour and spread the ganache over the chilled Biscoff layer. This is where things start to look a little fancy.
Return to the fridge and chill until set, about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Slice and Serve
Use the foil or parchment sling to lift the brownies out of the pan. For clean slices, run a knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and cut the bars into whatever size or shape you'd like.
You'll see those beautiful layers: fudgy brownie, creamy Biscoff, and glossy chocolate on top.
Serve chilled for neat layers or let them sit at room temp for a softer, fudgier bite.
Baking for Two Tips
When you bake small batch as often as I do, you learn quickly-these little details are what separate good brownies from the ones you think about the next day.
- Make them work for you (freeze them). I almost always slice and freeze a few right away. Wrap them individually, and you've got a ready-to-go treat whenever you need it. They thaw beautifully-and honestly, they're not bad slightly chilled either.Use the Right Pan
- Use the right pan (this matters more than you think). I always reach for a loaf pan here. It gives you that thicker layer of batter, which means a truly fudgy center. If you spread this into a larger pan, you'll lose that texture and end up closer to cakey brownies-and that's not what we're after.
- Watch the bake time like a hawk. Small batch brownies bake faster, and they go from perfect to overdone quickly. I start checking early and look for set edges with a slight wobble in the center. That wobble? That's your signal for a fudgy finish.
- Don't skip the bourbon brush - It might feel like an extra step, but this is one of my favorite tricks. Brushing the brownies while they're warm locks in moisture and adds that subtle bourbon depth. It's the difference between "good brownies" and wow, what is that flavor?
- Baking for Two Tips
- When you bake small batch as often as I do, you learn quickly-these little details are what separate good brownies from the ones you think about the next day.
- Use the right pan (this matters more than you think)
I always reach for a loaf pan here. It gives you that thicker layer of batter, which means a truly fudgy center. If you spread this into a larger pan, you'll lose that texture and end up closer to cakey brownies-and that's not what we're after. - Watch the bake time like a hawk
Small batch brownies bake faster, and they go from perfect to overdone quickly. I start checking early and look for set edges with a slight wobble in the center. That wobble? That's your signal for a fudgy finish. - Don't skip the bourbon brush
It might feel like an extra step, but this is one of my favorite tricks. Brushing the brownies while they're warm locks in moisture and adds that subtle bourbon depth. It's the difference between "good brownies" and wow, what is that flavor? - Make them work for you (freeze them). I almost always slice and freeze a few right away. Wrap them individually, and you've got a ready-to-go treat whenever you need it. They thaw beautifully-and honestly, they're not bad slightly chilled either.
Boozy Biscoff Brownies Variations
Want to switch things up? These Biscoff brownies are incredibly flexible:

- Whiskey Brownies - Swap bourbon for Irish whiskey for a smoother finish.
- Rum Brownies - Dark rum adds a warm, slightly molasses-like note.
- Chocolate Stout Brownies - Use a dark stout (like Guinness) for a rich, malty depth.
- Baileys Chocolate Brownies - For something a little more dessert-forward, Baileys adds a creamy sweetness.
How to Serve These (Black Tie Optional)
- Pair with coffee… or another splash of bourbon
- Serve chilled for clean, defined layers
- Serve at room temp for ultra-fudgy texture
Love this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review in the comments below! And don't forget to subscribe to Our Table 4 2 for even more cooking for two recipes and tips.
Troubleshooting this recipe
You've got questions... I've got answers! If you have a question about this recipe that isn't answered below, feel free to leave it in the comments, and I'll jump in there to help you out.
They baked too long. Zoe's tip to knowing when they have baked long enough is to pull the brownies when they are puffed but still have a bit wobbly in the center. Be careful not to overbake these, otherwise they won't have the outrageous fudge quality.
It likely needs more chill time. Pop it back in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
The chocolate may have overheated. Melt gently and stir slowly for that glossy finish.
If You Love This, Try These Small Batch Favorites
If baking for two is your thing (same here), I've got more where this came from-everything from cozy dinners to just-enough desserts that don't leave you with a week of leftovers.
Small Batch Bourbon Biscoff Cookie Butter Brownies Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
Batter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅛ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoons vanilla
- ¼ cup bourbon divided, or substitute stout like guiness, bailey's or rum
- 6 oz chocolate divided
- 1 eggs
Biscoff Buttercream
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ⅛ cup Biscoff cookie butter
- ½ tablespoons bourbon
Chocolate Glaze
- 3 oz chocolate
- 3 Tablespoon butter
- Optional: 1 teaspoon bourbon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C. Line a greased 8 ½ by 4 ¼ - inch loaf pan with greased parchment paper that goes up the sides to create a sling.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a medium- size saucepan over low heat, bring the butter, sugar, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of the bourbon to a simmer. Remove from the heat, whisk until smooth, and add in 4 ounces of the chopped chocolate. Swirl the pan to cover the chocolate and allow it to sit for 2 minutes.
- Whisk until there are no chunks of chocolate left. Whisk in the egg, mixing until incorporated.
- Fold in the flour mixture with a rubber spatula. Stir remaining chopped chocolate. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake in the middle of the oven for 20 to 24 minutes. The brownies should be puffed but still a bit wobbly in the center. Be careful not to overbake these, otherwise they won't have the outrageous fudge quality. As soon as you take them from the oven, use a pastry brush to gently brush the remaining bourbon over the top. As they cool the chocolate wabble center will set.
- Cool completely in the pan before topping.
- Make the buttercream: In a medium bowl, beat the butter and confectioners' sugar until smooth and fluffy with a stiff rubber spatula. Add the Biscoff cookie butter and bourbon. Use a small offset spatula to smooth the buttercream over the cooled brownies. The smoother the surface, the more elegant the finished brownies will be. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until the buttercream is firm.
- Make the chocolate glaze: In a small microwave- safe bowl, microwave the chocolate and butter for about 30 seconds. Stir until smooth, add bourbon, if using. Stir and let cool slightly. Spread evenly over the chilled buttercream. Return to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Run the tip of a knife dipped into hot water around the edge of the pan. Use the parchment-paper sling to carefully remove the bars from the pan. Use a very thin knife, dipped into hot water, to cut the bars into whatever size or shape you'd like. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
Your Notes, Tips and Tricks
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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