Brownies Recipe
Brownies are a timeless dessert that everyone loves. Whether you like them cakey, chewy, or extra fudgy, a perfect brownie can make any day better. Today, I’m sharing my ultimate brownie recipe that strikes the perfect balance between rich and fudgy, with a glossy top and a deep chocolate flavor. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (90g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (170g) chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove from heat.
- Combine sugar, cocoa, and butter: Stir in the granulated sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder until well combined. The mixture will be gritty, but that’s okay.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies tough.
- Add chocolate chips: If you’re a fan of extra chocolatey brownies, fold in the chocolate chips or chunks at this stage.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remember, you don’t want to overbake these!
- Cool and serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.
Tips for Perfect Brownies:
- Use high-quality cocoa powder: The better the cocoa, the richer the chocolate flavor. Opt for Dutch-processed cocoa if you can find it.
- Don’t overbake: Brownies continue to cook as they cool, so taking them out when they’re still slightly underdone ensures a fudgy texture.
- Experiment with add-ins: Nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of peanut butter or caramel can take your brownies to the next level.
Variations:
- Nutty Brownies: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch.
- Cheesecake Brownies: Swirl in a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and an egg for a tangy contrast to the rich chocolate.
- Peppermint Brownies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive twist.
Brownies are a versatile dessert that can be customized to fit any occasion or preference. This recipe is a great base to start with and make your own. Enjoy these decadent treats with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
There you have it, the ultimate brownie recipe that promises to deliver a batch of rich, fudgy, and irresistible treats. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a chocolate craving, these brownies are sure to impress. Happy baking!
Feel free to add your personal touch to this blog post or share any of your own tips and variations in the comments below. Enjoy baking!