why make this recipe
Brownie Squares are a beloved dessert that brings joy to many. They are rich, chocolaty, and can be made quickly with minimal ingredients. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this simple recipe will satisfy your chocolate cravings. Brownies are also perfect for any occasion—parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home. Plus, they are easily customizable. You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even swirls of peanut butter for exciting variations. Making Brownie Squares from scratch ensures you get to enjoy the perfect texture: chewy on the edges and soft in the center.
how to make Brownie Squares
Ingredients :
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- Sprinkles or heart-shaped candies for decoration
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking pan. You can use butter or cooking spray for this step.
- In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until well blended. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps left.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth again. The batter should be uniform and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few small lumps.
- Fold in chocolate chips if using. This adds an extra chocolatey flavor and a nice texture.
- Pour the brownie batter into the greased pan and spread it evenly. Make sure to get into the corners!
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want the brownies to be set but slightly soft in the middle. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This will make them easier to cut.
- After the cooling time, cut into squares. You can choose the size, but bite-sized pieces are always a hit!
- For decoration, add sprinkles or heart-shaped candies on top. This gives it a fun and festive touch.
how to serve Brownie Squares
Brownie Squares are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzling hot fudge or caramel sauce over the top can also add an extra indulgent touch. For a special occasion, consider pairing them with fresh berries or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty flavor contrast. The decorative sprinkles or candies on top make them an eye-catching dessert for any gathering.
how to store Brownie Squares
To store Brownie Squares, allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting. Place the squares in an airtight container. They can stay at room temperature for up to 3 days, but if you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. For even longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature.
tips to make Brownie Squares
- Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of the cocoa powder and chocolate chips will affect the taste of your brownies. Opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies rather than the light, fudgy texture you want.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the brownies are done. Insert it into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Don’t hesitate to add walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruits to your batter for added texture and flavor.
- Let Them Cool: Give your brownies time to cool before cutting. This helps to set the texture and makes them easier to slice without falling apart.
variation
- Nutty Brownies: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Before baking, drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top of the batter. Use a knife to gently swirl it in for a delightful peanut butter flavor.
- Mint Chocolate Brownies: Mix in a few drops of mint extract into your batter for a refreshing chocolate-mint combo. You can also top them with mint-flavored candies.
- Salted Caramel Brownies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the brownies before baking. Add a sprinkle of sea salt after baking for a sweet-salty treat.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may slightly change the texture. The brownies might be denser, so you may want to add a little more butter or liquid.
2. How do I know when the brownies are done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out clean, the brownies might be overbaked. Keep a close eye on them while baking.
3. Can I make these brownies in a different pan size?
Yes, you can use different pan sizes, but baking times will vary. If you use a smaller pan, the brownies will be thicker and may need more time. A larger pan will yield thinner brownies, which could bake faster.
4. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best results.
5. Can I add frosting to Brownie Squares?
Yes! If you’d like to make frosted brownies, let them cool completely and then spread a layer of chocolate or cream cheese frosting on top before cutting into squares.
Brownie Squares are versatile, fun, and oh-so-delicious. Why not whip up a batch today? Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Brownie Squares
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously rich and chocolaty Brownie Squares perfect for any occasion, easily customizable with nuts or chocolate chips.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- Sprinkles or heart-shaped candies for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; whisk until well blended.
- In another bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until creamy and uniform.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the brownie batter into the greased pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes until set but slightly soft in the middle.
- Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then cut into squares.
- Decorate with sprinkles or candies before serving.
Notes
Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or refrigerate for a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: brownies, dessert, chocolate, baking, easy recipes