Brownie Recipes

B Brownies Recipe 1 Brownies Recipe 2 Brownies Recipe 3 Brownies Recipe 4

B cont. Brownies Recipe 5 C Chocolate Brownies Recipe Coconut Chocolate Squares Recipe Crisco Batter Cakes Recipe Crisco Brownies Recipe

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The sumptuous, yet unpretentious brownie: Is it a bar? A cookie? A cake? A close cousin to fudge? A look at a good brownie recipe will tell you it is all these things… and more.

What Is a Brownie?

A brownie is a chocolate bar cookie. It has a texture somewhere between cake and fudge, but is generally moist and chewy. While a brownie base is traditionally chocolate, brownie recipes allow for infinite possibilities for added flavor. Whether the flavors are smoothly blended ones such as extracts and liqueurs, creamy swirls through the brownie like ganache or cream cheese, or chunky additions such as nuts, chocolate chips, coconut, dried fruit and candy, brownies are the perfect delivery medium.

The brownie is believed to be an American creation and continues to be a favorite treat in the United States. In all likelihood, named for its rich, dark color, the brownie is popular with people of all ages.

Topping a Brownie

One big debate in brownie recipes and preparation is how to top a brownie. Should you leave it naked? Does it require frosting? Or, is it best with just a dusting of powdered sugar? Other recipes suggest using crushed candy or melted chocolate as a topping for your brownies. These toppings can be added during the last few minutes of baking to allow them to melt; for a holiday treat, try adding crushed peppermint sticks and a little white chocolate. It creates a peppermint bark-like brownie.

Brownie Recipe Trivia

• Fudgy brownie recipes use very little flour, and often use no leavening.
• Brownies with a more cake-like texture generally use baking powder or soda and have more flour than their fudge-like brethren.
• Adding an extra egg will give your brownies a chewier consistency
• Wondering what the difference is between a blondie and a brownie? A blondie has a vanilla or butterscotch bar base. It may have chocolate chips or use no chocolate at all.
• Trying to figure out when your brownies are done? Unlike cakes, it is okay to leave brownies a little gooey in the center when you remove them from the oven.