Ingredients:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
- 1 and 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (90g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
- Chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) for garnishing (optional)
Cooking Process:
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in 30-second intervals until completely melted.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- If desired, fold in the chocolate chips or chunks until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Baking the Brownies
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Garnishing or Visualizing:
- Once cooled, you can garnish the brownies with chopped nuts for added texture and visual appeal. Simply sprinkle the nuts over the top of the brownies before slicing into squares.
Tips:
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for the best flavor in your brownies.
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in tough brownies.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your brownies by adding in your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or even caramel swirls.
- Cooling Time: Allowing the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing will help them set and hold their shape.
- Storage: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze brownies for longer storage.
- Warm Serving: For an extra indulgent treat, warm the brownies slightly in the microwave before serving and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.