Brownies
There's something wonderful about Brownies. They're chocolatey, cake-like (without the work of cakes), and with enough to share with a few friends or family members.
So, to that end, here are six yummy brownie recipes, including Grasshopper Brownies and Frosted Peppermint Brownies. Enjoy!
EASY SKILLET BROWNIES
This yumminess is from Melissa Clark at The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Melissa wrote, "These simple brownies are mixed and baked in the same skillet. Chewy and fudgy, they’re everything you want in a brownie but faster and with less mess to clean up. If you don’t have an ovenproof nonstick skillet (preferably ceramic, or you could try this in a very well-seasoned cast-iron pan), pour the batter into a greased 9-inch square pan for baking. You can let the brownies cool and cut them into wedges or squares. Or, serve them warm from the oven and straight from the pan, preferably with a scoop of ice cream plopped on top."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes, plus cooling; Total Time: 40 minutes, plus cooling; Yield: 8 to 12 brownies
This was featured in "The Easiest Brownies Are Mixed and Baked in the Same Pan," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024690-easy-skillet-brownies. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend it. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
3/4 cup unsalted butter
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 teaspoon fine sea or table salt
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup walnut or pecan pieces (optional)
Flaky sea salt (optional)
Ice cream, for serving (optional)
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees. In an ovenproof 10- or 11-inch nonstick skillet (preferably ceramic nonstick) set over medium-low heat, combine the butter, chocolate and salt. Let butter and chocolate melt, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat.
Carefully whisk in sugar until smooth, then whisk in eggs and vanilla. Finally, whisk in flour until no streaks remain. Using a spatula, fold in the nuts, if using. Smooth top and sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt if you like.
Bake until the top is set, the center is soft and the edges are firm and start to pull away from the pan, 20 to 27 minutes. (A toothpick inserted into the center will come out gooey.) Transfer to a wire rack to cool. You can serve these still a little warm and straight from the pan, with ice cream on top if you like. Or, let cool completely before slicing into wedges or bars.
OUTRAGEOUS BROWNIES
This is from Ina Garten from the Food Network, and in Ina's cookbook, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook.
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes; Yield: 20 large brownies; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/outrageous-brownies-recipe3-1916679.
Ingredients
1 pound unsalted butter
1 pound plus 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
6 ounces unsweetened chocolate
6 extra-large eggs
3 tablespoons instant coffee granules
2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
2-1/4 cups sugar
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups chopped walnuts
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Butter and flour a 12 x 18 x 1-inch baking sheet.
Melt together the butter, 1 pound of chocolate chips, and the unsweetened chocolate in a medium bowl over simmering water. Allow to cool slightly. In a large bowl, stir (do not beat) together the eggs, coffee granules, vanilla, and sugar. Stir the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and allow to cool to room temperature.
In a medium bowl, sift together 1 cup of flour, the baking powder, and salt. Add to the cooled chocolate mixture. Toss the walnuts and 12 ounces of chocolate chips in a medium bowl with 1/4 cup of flour, then add them to the chocolate batter. Pour into the baking sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes, then rap the baking sheet against the oven shelf to force the air to escape from between the pan and the brownie dough. Bake for about 15 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Do not overbake! Allow to cool thoroughly, refrigerate, and cut into 20 large squares.
STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE BROWNIES
This is from Ree Drummond on the Food Network.
Active Time: 25 minutes; Total: 6 hours (includes cooling and chilling times); Yield: 8 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/strawberry-cheesecake-brownies-5237476.
Ingredients
Brownies:
Nonstick cooking spray, for the pan and parchment
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Cheesecake Layer:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1/2 cup seedless strawberry jam
Directions
For the brownies: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch square metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment, leaving 2 inches overhanging on 2 sides. Grease the parchment with cooking spray.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the chocolate, whisking until smooth and fully melted. Whisk in the cocoa powder until combined. Remove from the heat and stir in the granulated and brown sugar until combined. Whisking constantly, add the eggs and mix until fully incorporated. Add the flour and whisk until completely smooth; the mixture will be very thick. Set aside.
For the cheesecake layer: Beat the cream cheese in a bowl with an electric mixer or in the bowl of stand mixer until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla and continue to mix until fully incorporated and fluffy. Add the egg and mix until fully combined.
Spoon the brownie mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer; distribute evenly and smooth.
Stir the strawberry jam with a spoon to loosen it. Drop spoonfuls of the jam over the cheesecake mixture. Using a toothpick or skewer, swirl the jam into the cheesecake, being careful not to press too deep and disturb the brownie layer.
Fill a separate baking dish with hot water and place on the bottom rack of the oven. This will add moisture to the oven during baking so the cheesecake layer does not crack. Place the cheesecake brownie pan on the center rack above and bake for 40 minutes. Turn the oven off and leave in the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
Remove the brownies from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate the pan until the brownies are chilled, 2 to 4 hours. Using the parchment edges, transfer the brownies to a board, then remove the parchment from under. Trim off the edges and cut into 8 bars.
FROSTED PEPPERMINT BROWNIES
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, “Easy brownie-mix brownies get dressed up for the holidays with frosting and crushed peppermint candy.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes; Servings: 16
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 box (16 oz) Betty Crocker™ Supreme original brownie mix
Water, oil and egg called for on brownie mix box
1-1/4 cups Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting (from 16 oz container)
1/8 teaspoon mint or peppermint extract
Betty Crocker™ green or pink gel food color
Peppermint or spearmint candies, crushed, if desired
>b>Directions
Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Grease bottom of 9-inch square pan with shortening or cooking spray. Make and bake brownie batter as directed on box. Cool completely on cooling rack, about 1-1/2 hours. In small bowl, stir together frosting, extract and food color until smooth. Spread frosting evenly over brownies. Sprinkle with crushed candies. For easier cutting, refrigerate about 15 minutes until frosting is set. Cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. Store covered at room temperature.
Expert Tips
Cut brownies into bite-size pieces and serve in holiday paper liners for easy dessert pickups.
GRASSHOPPER BROWNIES
This is from Yossy Arefi on The New York Times cooking site. Yossy wrote, "The classic grasshopper cocktail is made from equal parts crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and heavy cream. Its mint-chocolatey flavors translate perfectly to all sorts of desserts. These decadent layered bars start with a super fudgy brownie base, which is covered with crème de menthe infused buttercream, and a shell of rich chocolate ganache tops it all off. You could certainly substitute a bit more peppermint extract (about 2 teaspoons) and skip the alcohol in the crème de menthe if you’d like to keep these more family friendly. Peppermint extract varies quite a bit in intensity by brand, which is why a range is given, so taste as you go."
Yield: One 8-by-8-inch pan, 16 servings; Time: About 1 hour plus chilling
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019094-grasshopper-brownies.
Ingredients
For the brownie:
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 large eggs
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup all purpose flour
For the crème de menthe buttercream:
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
2 tablespoons cream cheese, at room temperature
2 tablespoons crème de menthe
1/2 to 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Pinch kosher salt
2 cups confectioner’s sugar
For the ganache:
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Pinch kosher salt
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees and line the bottom and sides of an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Make the brownies: In a heat-safe bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt the 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate and 1/2 cup butter, stirring occasionally until smooth.
In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs and brown sugar together, until the mixture lightens a bit in color and texture, about 1 minute. Whisk in the cocoa powder, vanilla extract and salt, followed by the chocolate and butter mixture. Fold in the flour until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until the brownies are set and a toothpick inserted into the center has a few moist crumbs, 20 to 25 minutes. Set the pan on a rack to cool completely.
Make the buttercream: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add the crème de menthe, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt and mix until smooth. Lower the mixer speed and slowly add the confectioners’ sugar. Increase the speed and beat until smooth. Taste and add more peppermint extract if desired.
Spread the buttercream over the cooled brownies, then refrigerate the brownies until the buttercream is cold and firm, about 30 minutes.
Make the ganache: Combine all of the ingredients for the ganache in a heat-safe bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Warm the mixture, stirring occasionally until it is melted and smooth. Pour the chocolate over the cooled buttercream and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Chill until the topping is set, about 30 minutes. Store the brownies in the refrigerator. For the cleanest slices make sure to remove the brownies from the pan and wipe off your knife in between cuts.
PUMPKIN PATCH BROWNIES
This is from Lauren Miyashiro on Delish. The recipe begins, “The sweetest pumpkin patch you ever did see.”
Total Time: 1 hour; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 8 - 10.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 box brownie mix, plus required ingredients
1 c. white chocolate chips
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
green food coloring
1 can chocolate frosting
1 c. crushed oreos
Pumpkin candies
Directions
Preheat oven to 350° and line a 9-x-13” pan with parchment paper then grease with cooking spray. Prepare brownie batter according to package instructions. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until a toothpick has moist crumbs, 28 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely.
In a small bowl, combine white chocolate chips, vegetable oil and green food coloring. Microwave in 30-second intervals until melted. Stir until smooth then transfer to a small ziplock bag and cut the tip of one corner to pipe.
Spread chocolate frosting over the brownies, then sprinkle with crushed Oreos. Using the green chocolate, pipe vines over the surface of the brownies, then scatter pumpkin candies on top of the brownies.
Slice into squares and serve.
So, to that end, here are six yummy brownie recipes, including Grasshopper Brownies and Frosted Peppermint Brownies. Enjoy!
EASY SKILLET BROWNIES
This yumminess is from Melissa Clark at The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Melissa wrote, "These simple brownies are mixed and baked in the same skillet. Chewy and fudgy, they’re everything you want in a brownie but faster and with less mess to clean up. If you don’t have an ovenproof nonstick skillet (preferably ceramic, or you could try this in a very well-seasoned cast-iron pan), pour the batter into a greased 9-inch square pan for baking. You can let the brownies cool and cut them into wedges or squares. Or, serve them warm from the oven and straight from the pan, preferably with a scoop of ice cream plopped on top."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes, plus cooling; Total Time: 40 minutes, plus cooling; Yield: 8 to 12 brownies
This was featured in "The Easiest Brownies Are Mixed and Baked in the Same Pan," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024690-easy-skillet-brownies. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend it. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
3/4 cup unsalted butter
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 teaspoon fine sea or table salt
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup walnut or pecan pieces (optional)
Flaky sea salt (optional)
Ice cream, for serving (optional)
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees. In an ovenproof 10- or 11-inch nonstick skillet (preferably ceramic nonstick) set over medium-low heat, combine the butter, chocolate and salt. Let butter and chocolate melt, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat.
Carefully whisk in sugar until smooth, then whisk in eggs and vanilla. Finally, whisk in flour until no streaks remain. Using a spatula, fold in the nuts, if using. Smooth top and sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt if you like.
Bake until the top is set, the center is soft and the edges are firm and start to pull away from the pan, 20 to 27 minutes. (A toothpick inserted into the center will come out gooey.) Transfer to a wire rack to cool. You can serve these still a little warm and straight from the pan, with ice cream on top if you like. Or, let cool completely before slicing into wedges or bars.
OUTRAGEOUS BROWNIES
This is from Ina Garten from the Food Network, and in Ina's cookbook, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook.
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes; Yield: 20 large brownies; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/outrageous-brownies-recipe3-1916679.
Ingredients
1 pound unsalted butter
1 pound plus 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
6 ounces unsweetened chocolate
6 extra-large eggs
3 tablespoons instant coffee granules
2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
2-1/4 cups sugar
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups chopped walnuts
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Butter and flour a 12 x 18 x 1-inch baking sheet.
Melt together the butter, 1 pound of chocolate chips, and the unsweetened chocolate in a medium bowl over simmering water. Allow to cool slightly. In a large bowl, stir (do not beat) together the eggs, coffee granules, vanilla, and sugar. Stir the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and allow to cool to room temperature.
In a medium bowl, sift together 1 cup of flour, the baking powder, and salt. Add to the cooled chocolate mixture. Toss the walnuts and 12 ounces of chocolate chips in a medium bowl with 1/4 cup of flour, then add them to the chocolate batter. Pour into the baking sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes, then rap the baking sheet against the oven shelf to force the air to escape from between the pan and the brownie dough. Bake for about 15 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Do not overbake! Allow to cool thoroughly, refrigerate, and cut into 20 large squares.
STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE BROWNIES
This is from Ree Drummond on the Food Network.
Active Time: 25 minutes; Total: 6 hours (includes cooling and chilling times); Yield: 8 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/strawberry-cheesecake-brownies-5237476.
Ingredients
Brownies:
Nonstick cooking spray, for the pan and parchment
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Cheesecake Layer:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1/2 cup seedless strawberry jam
Directions
For the brownies: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch square metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment, leaving 2 inches overhanging on 2 sides. Grease the parchment with cooking spray.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the chocolate, whisking until smooth and fully melted. Whisk in the cocoa powder until combined. Remove from the heat and stir in the granulated and brown sugar until combined. Whisking constantly, add the eggs and mix until fully incorporated. Add the flour and whisk until completely smooth; the mixture will be very thick. Set aside.
For the cheesecake layer: Beat the cream cheese in a bowl with an electric mixer or in the bowl of stand mixer until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla and continue to mix until fully incorporated and fluffy. Add the egg and mix until fully combined.
Spoon the brownie mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer; distribute evenly and smooth.
Stir the strawberry jam with a spoon to loosen it. Drop spoonfuls of the jam over the cheesecake mixture. Using a toothpick or skewer, swirl the jam into the cheesecake, being careful not to press too deep and disturb the brownie layer.
Fill a separate baking dish with hot water and place on the bottom rack of the oven. This will add moisture to the oven during baking so the cheesecake layer does not crack. Place the cheesecake brownie pan on the center rack above and bake for 40 minutes. Turn the oven off and leave in the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
Remove the brownies from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate the pan until the brownies are chilled, 2 to 4 hours. Using the parchment edges, transfer the brownies to a board, then remove the parchment from under. Trim off the edges and cut into 8 bars.
FROSTED PEPPERMINT BROWNIES
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, “Easy brownie-mix brownies get dressed up for the holidays with frosting and crushed peppermint candy.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes; Servings: 16
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 box (16 oz) Betty Crocker™ Supreme original brownie mix
Water, oil and egg called for on brownie mix box
1-1/4 cups Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting (from 16 oz container)
1/8 teaspoon mint or peppermint extract
Betty Crocker™ green or pink gel food color
Peppermint or spearmint candies, crushed, if desired
>b>Directions
Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Grease bottom of 9-inch square pan with shortening or cooking spray. Make and bake brownie batter as directed on box. Cool completely on cooling rack, about 1-1/2 hours. In small bowl, stir together frosting, extract and food color until smooth. Spread frosting evenly over brownies. Sprinkle with crushed candies. For easier cutting, refrigerate about 15 minutes until frosting is set. Cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. Store covered at room temperature.
Expert Tips
Cut brownies into bite-size pieces and serve in holiday paper liners for easy dessert pickups.
GRASSHOPPER BROWNIES
This is from Yossy Arefi on The New York Times cooking site. Yossy wrote, "The classic grasshopper cocktail is made from equal parts crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and heavy cream. Its mint-chocolatey flavors translate perfectly to all sorts of desserts. These decadent layered bars start with a super fudgy brownie base, which is covered with crème de menthe infused buttercream, and a shell of rich chocolate ganache tops it all off. You could certainly substitute a bit more peppermint extract (about 2 teaspoons) and skip the alcohol in the crème de menthe if you’d like to keep these more family friendly. Peppermint extract varies quite a bit in intensity by brand, which is why a range is given, so taste as you go."
Yield: One 8-by-8-inch pan, 16 servings; Time: About 1 hour plus chilling
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019094-grasshopper-brownies.
Ingredients
For the brownie:
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 large eggs
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup all purpose flour
For the crème de menthe buttercream:
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
2 tablespoons cream cheese, at room temperature
2 tablespoons crème de menthe
1/2 to 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Pinch kosher salt
2 cups confectioner’s sugar
For the ganache:
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Pinch kosher salt
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees and line the bottom and sides of an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Make the brownies: In a heat-safe bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt the 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate and 1/2 cup butter, stirring occasionally until smooth.
In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs and brown sugar together, until the mixture lightens a bit in color and texture, about 1 minute. Whisk in the cocoa powder, vanilla extract and salt, followed by the chocolate and butter mixture. Fold in the flour until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until the brownies are set and a toothpick inserted into the center has a few moist crumbs, 20 to 25 minutes. Set the pan on a rack to cool completely.
Make the buttercream: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add the crème de menthe, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt and mix until smooth. Lower the mixer speed and slowly add the confectioners’ sugar. Increase the speed and beat until smooth. Taste and add more peppermint extract if desired.
Spread the buttercream over the cooled brownies, then refrigerate the brownies until the buttercream is cold and firm, about 30 minutes.
Make the ganache: Combine all of the ingredients for the ganache in a heat-safe bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Warm the mixture, stirring occasionally until it is melted and smooth. Pour the chocolate over the cooled buttercream and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Chill until the topping is set, about 30 minutes. Store the brownies in the refrigerator. For the cleanest slices make sure to remove the brownies from the pan and wipe off your knife in between cuts.
PUMPKIN PATCH BROWNIES
This is from Lauren Miyashiro on Delish. The recipe begins, “The sweetest pumpkin patch you ever did see.”
Total Time: 1 hour; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 8 - 10.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 box brownie mix, plus required ingredients
1 c. white chocolate chips
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
green food coloring
1 can chocolate frosting
1 c. crushed oreos
Pumpkin candies
Directions
Preheat oven to 350° and line a 9-x-13” pan with parchment paper then grease with cooking spray. Prepare brownie batter according to package instructions. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until a toothpick has moist crumbs, 28 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely.
In a small bowl, combine white chocolate chips, vegetable oil and green food coloring. Microwave in 30-second intervals until melted. Stir until smooth then transfer to a small ziplock bag and cut the tip of one corner to pipe.
Spread chocolate frosting over the brownies, then sprinkle with crushed Oreos. Using the green chocolate, pipe vines over the surface of the brownies, then scatter pumpkin candies on top of the brownies.
Slice into squares and serve.
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