Fudgy Brownies

Hey, y'all! This week, I made MANY batches of these brownies as I tried to figure out the perfect recipe. Funny enough, I don't make them very often! These brownies are very dense and fudgy, with milk and dark chocolate flavors that complement each other perfectly. Alright, time for the life update that comes with each of these posts, so feel free to skip to the last paragraph and recipe (I know I would ;) ).

The past week or so has been nothing but studying for the SAT. I'm taking a class 6 days a week in the mornings from 9-12, and it's pretty boring. However, I really think that it will aid me in the long run. Not much to say about that besides that I'm self-studying for the ACT. It's a really fun summer activity, as you can imagine (kidding, obvi). Nonetheless, baking is my way to destress and have fun; as long as I have this activity, I'm happy! I'm pondering what recipes I will try in the future because I typically bake goods with chocolate (when there's chocolate involved, my family will definitely eat them). However, I would like to spice up my baking somehow. Maybe I should try baking challenges? If you have any suggestions, let me know in the comments.

I initially baked these brownies for family members coming over for dinner from out of town. When I did so, I sort of guesstimated all of my ingredients. The results were delicious but I knew I could make my next batch even better. Luckily, I had the opportunity to improve them when my mom asked me to bake a few batches for her friends. When I did so, I browned the butter on the stovetop instead of simply melting it in the microwave. This enhanced the flavor of the brownies by making them richer. I also combined espresso powder into the browned butter immediately after taking it off of the heat. This ensured that the espresso flavor was powerful and well-dispersed throughout the brownies. By adding a combo of milk and dark chocolate into the brownies rather than solely semisweet, there's a delicious range of flavors in these. These really are so delicious and I hope everyone enjoys them as much as I did.

Xoxo, Kat

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Fudgy Brownies Recipe

Ingredients:

3/4 c. of butter, browned (1.5 sticks)

2 teaspoons espresso powder

3 tbs. dark chocolate chips

1/2 c. milk chocolate chips.

1/4 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. white sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 eggs

1 teaspoon salt

1/3 c. cocoa powder

3/4 c. flour

Extra: more chocolate chips! (For topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F. Grease an 8x8 pan.

2. Place butter in a saucepan and melt. Once melted, keep it on the heat. You're going to start seeing the butter's milkfat rise to the top. This is totally normal! Keep monitoring it even as it bubbles and stir often. Slowly, the butter will start to brown and have a caramel-ish color. Once this is achieved, take the now browned-butter off of the heat.

3. Pour the butter into a large bowl and quickly stir in the espresso powder.

4. Add the milk and dark chocolate chips into the hot butter-espresso micture and mix until the consistency is nice and smooth.

5. Allow for this mixture to cool for 5 minutes.

6. Combine the brown and white sugar into the mixture.

7. In a small separate bowl, crack both eggs and whisk them.

8. Add the eggs from said bowl along with the vanilla extract into the chocolate mixture. Combine.

9. Sift in the cocoa powder, salt, and flour. Fold these ingredients into the mixture.

10. Now, if you want extra chocolate gooeyness, fold in more chocolate chips.

11. Pour the mixture into your greased or parchment-lined pan. Now, you can sprinkle a couple chocolate chips on top of the batter for decoration, if you like! :)

12. Bake for 22-27 minutes or until you can poke the middle with a toothpick and it comes out clean.

13. Allow to cool for 15 minutes and enjoy!