The Classic Brownie Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, stir together melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix well. Stir in flour until well combined. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool to room temperature before serving.
Brownie Toppings
Adding toppings to your brownies can make them more interesting and delicious. Here are some ideas:
1. Salted Caramel
Drizzle caramel sauce over your brownies and sprinkle with sea salt. The combination of sweet and salty is irresistible.
2. Peanut Butter
Spread a layer of peanut butter over your brownies and top with chopped peanuts. The nutty flavor pairs well with the chocolate.
3. Marshmallow
Top your brownies with mini marshmallows and broil until lightly toasted. The gooey texture is a perfect complement to the fudgy brownies.
4. Berries
Add fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to your brownies. The tartness of the berries balances out the sweetness of the chocolate.
Brownie Variations
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique brownie recipe. Here are some ideas:
1. Mint Brownies
Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter and swirl in green food coloring. Top with a layer of chocolate ganache and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
2. Espresso Brownies
Add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the batter and top with a layer of coffee-infused chocolate ganache.
3. Nutella Brownies
Swirl a generous amount of Nutella into the batter and bake as usual. Top with a layer of hazelnut frosting and chopped hazelnuts.
4. S’mores Brownies
Add graham cracker crumbs to the batter and top with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. Broil until the marshmallows are toasted and golden brown.
Brownie Storage Tips
Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.
Now that you have some brownie recipe ideas, it’s time to get baking! Experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own perfect brownie recipe.