Ingredients
Browned Butter and Chocolate
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold)
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp semi-sweet chocolate chips
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp dark cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp espresso powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 tbsp vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Brown the Butter: In a stainless steel pan over medium heat, melt the cold butter and cook it for 10-12 minutes until it foams, crackles, and browns with nutty aroma. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and scrape all the browned bits from the bottom into a separate bowl.
- Melt Chocolate: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the browned butter bowl and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, espresso powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla bean paste on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and well blended.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: With the mixer running on low speed, slowly stream the melted browned butter and chocolate mixture into the egg batter. Mix until just combined to maintain the airiness.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the flour mixture into the wet batter until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. For pans that are not metal or have rounded edges, baking may take 45-50 minutes.
- Cool and Cut: Remove the brownies from the oven and let the pan cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, use a hot, sharp knife to cut the brownies into 16 equal squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.
Notes
- Use a metal baking pan for more predictable baking times; glass or silicone pans may require additional baking time.
- Browned butter adds a nutty richness that enhances the flavor profile—don’t skip this step.
- Espresso powder intensifies the chocolate taste without adding a strong coffee flavor; adjust quantity to taste if desired.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Use a sharp knife warmed with hot water for smooth cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American