Decadent Homemade Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  3. In a saucepan, melt the butter. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. Beat in cocoa, flour, baking powder, and salt. Spread batter into prepared pan.
  5. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the batter if you're using them.
  6. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Do not overcook.
  7. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
  • Saucepan - Used to melt the butter for the brownie batter.
  • Spatula - A tool for scraping the batter and smoothing it in the baking dish.
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish - The pan used to bake the brownies.
  • Oven - The appliance used to bake the brownies.
  • Knife - To cut the brownies into squares after they have cooled.

Recipe variations

  • Add chocolate chips or chunks to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
  • Replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
  • Use melted dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
  • Add a layer of caramel or peanut butter in the middle of the brownie batter.
  • Mix in different types of nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
  • Add dried fruits like cherries, cranberries, or raisins for a fruity twist.
  • Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty combination.
  • Replace the vanilla extract with mint extract for a refreshing mint chocolate brownie.

Recipe overview

Discover the joy of baking with this classic Brownies recipe. These brownies are rich, chocolatey, and delightfully easy to make. With just a few simple steps and basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these tasty treats in no time. This recipe uses a blend of cocoa and flour to give the brownies their signature texture and an intense chocolate flavor. Optional chopped nuts add a bit of crunch for an added surprise. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and sure to please. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save them for later, if you can resist eating them all at once!

Common questions

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? No, it is recommended to use unsalted butter in this recipe to control the amount of salt in the brownies.
  2. Can I use a different type of sugar? Granulated sugar works best for this recipe, but you can try using a different type of sugar such as brown sugar for a slightly different flavor.
  3. Can I substitute the eggs? The eggs in this recipe provide structure and moisture, so it is not recommended to substitute them. However, there are egg substitutes available if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
  4. What can I use instead of nuts? If you prefer not to use nuts, you can omit them entirely or replace them with other add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit.
  5. How do I know when the brownies are done? You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs sticking to it, the brownies are ready. Avoid overcooking them to maintain a fudgy texture.
  6. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch of brownies. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the brownie batter.
  • Spatula - A flexible kitchen tool for scraping the sides of the bowl and spreading the batter evenly in the baking dish.
  • Whisk - A utensil used for blending the ingredients together smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups - Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Baking Dish - A rectangular dish used for baking the brownies.
  • Cooling Rack - Helps in cooling the brownies evenly after they are baked.
  • Sharp Knife - Used for cutting the cooled brownies into squares.
  • Serving Plate - A plate or platter used for presenting and serving the brownies.
  • Optional Toppings - Such as powdered sugar, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce, to enhance the presentation and taste of the brownies.

Origin stories

Brownies as we know them today have a deliciously intriguing history. They were first introduced at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, held in Chicago. The owner of the Palmer House Hotel created the confection after Bertha Palmer, the hotel owner's wife, requested a dessert for ladies attending the fair. It had to be cake-like but small enough to fit in a lunch box, and could be eaten without a fork. The result was a dense, fudgy delight topped with walnuts and a glaze, much like our modern-day brownie. The Palmer House Hotel still serves this original recipe brownie on its menu today. So next time you enjoy a brownie, remember that you're partaking in a dessert that's been delighting taste buds for over a century!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.