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Our favorite brownies recipe from scratch. You only need one bowl, a saucepan, and a spoon. In the first step, we ask that you melt the butter with sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. This process ensures that crinkly top that we all love. You can do this step in the microwave, but I do find the stovetop method to be more consistent.

These brownies aren’t too sweet. If you are like us and find yourself reaching for darker chocolate over milk chocolate, these are most certainly for you. Use natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder for these (cacao powder works, too). I especially love using Droste Cacao (a Dutch process powder).

AVRAI BISOGNO

  • 1/2 cups granulated sugar*
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour.
  • 2/3 cup cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy.
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy.
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips.
  • 3/4 teaspoons sea salt.
  • 2 large eggs.
  • 1/2 cup canola oil or extra-virgin olive oil**

PROCEDIMENTO

1

Position an oven rack in the lower third of the oven and heat to 325 degrees F. Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. (This helps when removing the baked brownies from the pan, once cooled).
2

Add enough water to a medium saucepan so that it is 1 to 2 inches deep. Heat water until barely simmering.
3

Combine butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium heat-safe bowl. Rest the bowl over simmering water (if the bottom of the bowl touches the water, remove a little water). Stir the mixture occasionally until the butter has melted and the mixture is quite warm. Don’t worry if it looks gritty; it will become smooth once you add the eggs and flour.
4

Remove the bowl from heat and set aside for 3 to 5 minutes until it is only warm, not hot. Stir in the vanilla with a spoon. Then add the eggs, one at a time, stirring vigorously after each one.
5

When the batter looks thick, shiny, and well blended, add the flour and stir until fully incorporated, then beat with the wooden spoon or spatula for 40 to 50 strokes. (The batter will be thick). Beat vigorously here. You want to see the brownie batter pulling away from the sides of the bowl (if you do not have the strength to do this by hand, use a hand mixer). Stir in nuts, if using. Spread evenly in lined pan.