BB Mondays: Robert’s Absolute Best Brownies
Brownies have a special place in the hearts of many, and for good reason. They’re rich, fudgy, and utterly irresistible. Today, we’re diving into a delightful recipe that promises to be a showstopper: BB Mondays: Robert’s Absolute Best Brownies. This recipe is simple yet yields an indulgent treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Imagine a warm, chocolatey square topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of ice cream melting on top—pure bliss!
Let’s unravel the secrets behind these decadently delicious brownies that have garnered rave reviews from bakers everywhere. Whether you’re preparing for a casual gathering, a family dessert night, or simply craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why Cooks Rave About It
The acclaim for Robert’s Absolute Best Brownies lies in their perfect balance of chewiness and fudginess. Each bite is a testament to the magic of melted chocolate and butter, combined with just the right amount of sugar and eggs. What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity; it requires minimal ingredients and steps, making it accessible for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. The versatility allows you to customize with your favorite mix-ins or toppings, making these brownies the perfect canvas for creativity.
Ingredient Notes
- 6 tablespoons unsalted or salted butter, cubed: The butter adds richness and a velvety texture to the brownies. You can use either salted or unsalted, but if you opt for salted, consider reducing the added salt in the recipe.
- 8 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped (I used semisweet chocolate chips): The quality of chocolate is crucial. Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. Semisweet chocolate chips are a great option for a balanced sweetness.
- 1 cup sugar: This sweetening agent balances the deep chocolate flavor, ensuring the brownies aren’t overly rich.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances the overall flavor of the brownies.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the brownies’ fudgy texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Flour gives structure to the brownies, allowing them to rise and hold their shape without becoming cake-like.
Before You Start: Equipment
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a couple of bowls for mixing the wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk or spatula: A whisk is great for combining the ingredients smoothly, while a spatula helps in folding.
- 9×9-inch baking pan: This size balances the thickness of the brownies nicely.
- Parchment paper: Lining the pan with parchment helps with easy removal of the brownies.
- Oven thermometer: Ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for baking.
BB Mondays: Robert’s Absolute Best Brownies: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for achieving the perfect bake.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the cubed butter and chopped chocolate. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted chocolate mixture, sugar, and vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Sift the all-purpose flour over the chocolate mixture and gently fold it in using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until you see no more flour.
Step 6: Pour and Spread the Batter
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to maintain that fudgy texture.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Let them cool completely before slicing into squares.
Holiday-Friendly Variations
- Mint Chocolate Brownies: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a festive twist.
- Nutty Brownies: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Marshmallow Swirl Brownies: Top the batter with mini marshmallows before baking for a gooey surprise.
- Chocolate Chip Brownies: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips for extra melty goodness.
Cook’s Notes
- For an intense chocolate flavor, use bittersweet chocolate instead of semisweet.
- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
- Feel free to experiment with flavored extracts like almond or orange to give your brownies a unique twist.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
If you have leftovers (though we doubt you will!), these brownies freeze beautifully. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in a microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.
Quick Questions
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can mix and match bittersweet, semisweet, or even dark chocolate for varying levels of sweetness and richness.
What if I don’t have a 9×9-inch pan?
You can use an 8×8-inch pan for slightly thicker brownies or a 9×13-inch pan for thinner, more cake-like brownies. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. They will continue to set as they cool.
That’s a Wrap
With their rich flavor and delightful texture, BB Mondays: Robert’s Absolute Best Brownies are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or a satisfying treat for your own indulgence. These brownies are not just a dessert; they are an experience that brings joy to every bite. The simplicity and deliciousness make them a staple in any baker’s repertoire, and chances are, once you try them, you’ll be making them again and again.
So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to create a batch of brownies that will become a beloved tradition in your home. Happy baking!
BB Mondays: Robert's Absolute Best Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, lightly greased.
- Step 3: In a medium saucepan, combine the cubed butter and chopped chocolate over low heat until melted and smooth.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted chocolate mixture, sugar, and vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Step 5: Sift the flour over the chocolate mixture and fold it in gently.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Step 8: Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then lift out using parchment to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use bittersweet chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Experiment with flavored extracts for unique variations.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
