Description
These indulgent Brown Butter Brownies combine a rich, nutty brown butter flavor with the deep taste of semisweet chocolate. The brownies are fudgy, moist, and enhanced with cocoa powder and optional espresso powder to intensify the chocolate notes. Perfectly baked for a slightly gooey texture, they make a delightful dessert or treat.
Ingredients
Brown Butter and Chocolate Base
- 1 1/2 sticks (170 grams) unsalted butter
- 4 ounces (113 grams) semisweet chocolate, chopped
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (64 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (43 grams) cocoa powder (preferably Dutch Process)
- 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup (170 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8-inch square metal baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the brownies don’t stick and come out easily.
- Brown the Butter: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Gradually increase the heat to medium while swirling the pan occasionally. The butter will foam and produce crackling popping sounds. When the noise stops, continue swirling until you see brown bits form and smell a nutty aroma. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes after the crackling stops. Remove from heat and pour into a mixing bowl, scraping all the browned bits into the bowl for maximum flavor.
- Melt Chocolate: While the butter is still warm, immediately add the chopped semisweet chocolate to the bowl and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Mix Sugars, Eggs, and Vanilla: Using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed for about 8 minutes until the mixture is thick, fluffy, and lighter in color.
- Combine Butter-Chocolate Mixture: Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually pour in the warm brown butter and melted chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Mix until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, instant espresso powder (if using), and fine sea salt until just combined. Next, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the surface with a spatula. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven. The brownies should be set but still moist and fudgy in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing to ensure clean cuts and the ideal texture.
- Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor depth.
- Do not overbake to keep brownies fudgy and moist.
- Using parchment paper helps with easy removal and cleanup.
- Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that sets these brownies apart.
- Let brownies cool completely to avoid crumbling when slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American