Are you craving a rich, fudgy brownie that melts in your mouth? Look no further! This Ghirardelli brownie recipe, enhanced with the deep, earthy flavor of cocoa powder, takes the classic to a whole new level of deliciousness. It's a perfect dessert for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a celebratory gathering. This easy recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and experienced home cooks looking for a foolproof, delicious recipe. Get ready to indulge!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed is recommended for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Ghirardelli chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark chocolate preferred)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts (Optional)
Stir in the Ghirardelli chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Don't overbake! Overbaked brownies will be dry.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This allows them to set properly and makes for cleaner cuts.
Tips for Brownie Success:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies.
- Use good quality chocolate: The type of chocolate you use significantly impacts the flavor. Ghirardelli chocolate provides a rich, intense chocolate flavor.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. Every oven is different, so adjust baking time accordingly.
- Cool completely: Allowing the brownies to cool fully before cutting prevents them from crumbling.
Variations:
- Add a swirl of caramel or peanut butter: For an extra layer of flavor, swirl in some caramel sauce or peanut butter before baking.
- Use different types of chocolate chips: Experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Fat: 15-20g Sugar: 25-30g Protein: 3-4g
This Ghirardelli brownie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of rich chocolate, fudgy texture, and ease of preparation makes it a perfect addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking. Enjoy!