Brownies

These homemade brownies are so easy to make that even children can whip them up. They have a dense and chewy texture, with a rich chocolate flavor that is hard to resist. This recipe holds a couple of valuable tips, like omitting nuts for a smoother texture and using lightly greased aluminum foil to line the baking pan, making cleanup a breeze. Brownies can be enjoyed on their own, but there are also endless possibilities for toppings and variations to take them to the next level. From whipped cream and caramel sauce to ice cream and brownie sundaes, the options for finishing these brownies are truly delicious. Get ready to indulge in a delightful homemade treat that will satisfy your chocolate cravings.

MAKES: About 1 dozen

TIME: 30 to 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus a little softened butter for the pan
• 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, roughly chopped
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with softened butter, or line it with aluminum foil and grease the foil for easier cleanup.
2. In a small saucepan over very low heat, combine the unsalted butter and roughly chopped unsweetened chocolate. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is just about melted. Remove the mixture from the heat and continue stirring until it becomes smooth.
3. Transfer the chocolate mixture to a bowl and stir in the sugar. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Gently stir in the all-purpose flour, salt, and vanilla extract (if using).
4. Pour and scrape the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake the brownies in the preheated oven until they are just barely set in the middle, which typically takes 20 to 25 minutes. It’s better to underbake brownies slightly for a fudgy texture rather than overbaking them. Allow the brownies to cool on a rack before cutting them into squares.
5. Store the cooled brownies in a covered container at room temperature for up to a day. They are best enjoyed within this timeframe to maintain their freshness.

VARIATIONS:

• Hazelnut Brownies: Replace half of the flour with 1/4 cup of finely ground hazelnuts. Additionally, add 1 cup of lightly toasted and roughly chopped hazelnuts to the batter.

• Cream Cheese Brownies: Beat together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar until fluffy. Beat in an egg. In Step 3, pour half of the brownie batter into the pan, then top it with the cream cheese mixture. Finish with the remaining brownie batter. Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter if desired. Increase the baking time by approximately 10 minutes.

8 Simple Ideas for Brownies:

• Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter or 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped toasted nuts to the batter.
• Mix in 1/2 to 1 cup of chocolate chunks for extra chocolatey goodness.
• Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of almond or mint extract in addition to or instead of vanilla extract.
• Stir in 1/2 cup of mashed banana for a unique twist.
• Add 1/4 cup of bourbon, Scotch, or other whiskey to the batter. Increase the flour by 1 tablespoon.
• Mix in 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder along with the vanilla extract.
• Fold in 1/2 cup of dried fruit, such as dried cherries, into the prepared batter.
• Frost the cooled brownies with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting or Chocolate Buttercream Frosting before cutting.

These variations allow you to customize the flavor and texture of your brownies according to your preferences. Whether you prefer them plain or with added twists, these brownies are sure to be a hit. Enjoy them as a delightful treat on their own or elevate them further with your favorite toppings or frostings.