Chocolate Chip Brownies
There’s nothing quite like a batch of homemade Chocolate Chip Brownies to lift your spirits. Rich, fudgy, and with a delightful mix of chocolate and nuts, these brownies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a sweet indulgence after dinner or a decadent dessert to share with friends, these brownies will surely impress. With a simple list of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find that making Chocolate Chip Brownies is a breeze. Let’s dive into the delicious world of brownie making!
Why It Works Every Time
The beauty of these Chocolate Chip Brownies lies in their simplicity. Using self-rising flour ensures that your brownies will rise perfectly, providing a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The combination of dark chocolate and white chocolate creates a rich, complex flavor profile, while the nuts add a satisfying crunch. Plus, the use of butter enhances the overall richness, making every bite utterly indulgent. Trust me; this recipe is foolproof and will yield delightful results each time you make it.
What We’re Using
- 1 cup butter, softened, plus extra for greasing – This adds richness and moisture.
- 5 oz (150g) dark chocolate, broken into pieces – Provides depth of flavor.
- 1 cup self-rising flour – Ensures a light and fluffy texture.
- 2/3 cup superfine sugar – Sweetens without the graininess.
- 4 eggs, beaten – Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 cup chopped pistachio nuts (or walnuts) – Adds a nutty crunch.
- 3 oz (100g) white chocolate, roughly chopped – For a sweet contrast.
- Confectioners sugar, sifted, for dusting – Finishing touch for presentation.
What’s in the Gear List
- Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk – Essential for beating eggs and mixing batter.
- Spatula – To fold in the chocolate and nuts gently.
- 9×9 inch baking dish – Perfect size for these brownies.
- Parchment paper – Helps with easy removal and cleanup.
- Oven – Preheated to ensure even baking.
Chocolate Chip Brownies, Made Easy
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with a little butter or line it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the brownies later.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
In a heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate and butter. Melt them together over a pot of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth. Alternatively, you can microwave them in 30-second intervals until melted.
Step 4: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted chocolate mixture and superfine sugar until well combined. Add the beaten eggs and mix until completely incorporated.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
Fold in the self-rising flour gently, being careful not to overmix. This will ensure your brownies remain tender.
Step 6: Incorporate Nuts and White Chocolate
Stir in the chopped pistachio nuts (or walnuts) and white chocolate pieces until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top 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.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust with sifted confectioners sugar for an elegant finish.
Fit It to Your Goals
- For a richer brownie, use more dark chocolate and less flour.
- Swap out the nuts for your favorite variety, or leave them out entirely if you prefer.
- Experiment with adding a swirl of peanut butter or caramel for a unique flavor twist.
- Try using a gluten-free flour blend if you want to make these brownies gluten-free.
Notes on Ingredients
When choosing your chocolate, opt for high-quality brands for the best taste. Dark chocolate with a cacao percentage of around 70% works wonderfully, while the white chocolate should be creamy and sweet to balance the bitterness of the dark chocolate. Superfine sugar dissolves more quickly than regular granulated sugar, contributing to the smooth texture of the brownies.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
These Chocolate Chip Brownies freeze beautifully! To freeze, cool them completely and cut them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, you can use regular flour, but you’ll need to add a leavening agent like baking powder. For every cup of flour, add about 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder to achieve the same rise.
How can I make these brownies more fudgy?
To create a fudgier texture, reduce the flour slightly and add an extra egg. This will enhance the moistness and richness of your brownies.
What’s the best way to store leftover brownies?
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them to extend their freshness, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I add other mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even shredded coconut to the batter. Just keep in mind that the more mix-ins you add, the more you may need to adjust the flour to maintain the right consistency.
Weekend Projects
- Sally’s Baking Addiction – Brownie Recipes
- Pinch of Yum – Decadent Desserts
- Minimalist Baker – Vegan Brownies
Next Steps
Now that you have this delicious Chocolate Chip Brownies recipe in your arsenal, it’s time to get baking! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the rich aroma of chocolate fill your kitchen. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or with a scoop of ice cream, these brownies are sure to be a hit. Share them with family and friends, or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here! Happy baking!
Chocolate Chip Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly.
- Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish. Grease a 9x9 inch baking dish with a little butter or line it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the brownies later.
- Step 3: Melt the Chocolate. In a heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate and butter. Melt them together over a pot of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth. Alternatively, you can microwave them in 30-second intervals until melted.
- Step 4: Mix the Batter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted chocolate mixture and superfine sugar until well combined. Add the beaten eggs and mix until completely incorporated.
- Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients. Fold in the self-rising flour gently, being careful not to overmix. This will ensure your brownies remain tender.
- Step 6: Incorporate Nuts and White Chocolate. Stir in the chopped pistachio nuts (or walnuts) and white chocolate pieces until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Step 7: Bake. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top 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.
- Step 8: Cool and Serve. Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust with sifted confectioners sugar for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- These brownies freeze well; wrap individually for storage.
- Experiment with mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit.
