Are you craving a rich, fudgy brownie that melts in your mouth? Look no further! This Nestle's Cocoa Brownie recipe is your ticket to brownie heaven. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort, making it a perfect recipe for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend treat. This recipe uses the classic Nestle's Cocoa powder, ensuring that deep, chocolatey flavor we all love. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious homemade dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup Nestle's Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: Chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This step ensures your brownies won't stick and will release easily.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic starts!
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, Nestle's Cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
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Add Mix-ins (Optional): If desired, gently fold in your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried cranberries.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Don't overbake! Slightly underbaked brownies will be fudgier.
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Cool & Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes for easier cutting.
Tips for the Best Brownies:
- Use good quality cocoa powder: Nestle's Cocoa is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other brands.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Cool completely before cutting: This prevents crumbling and ensures clean cuts.
Variations:
- Salted Caramel Brownies: Add a swirl of salted caramel sauce to the batter before baking.
- Peanut Butter Brownies: Stir in ½ cup of peanut butter with the wet ingredients.
- White Chocolate Brownies: Use white chocolate chips as mix-ins.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 7-9g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-4g
This easy brownie recipe is perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe guarantees a delicious and impressive dessert. Enjoy!