Everyone needs a go-to brownie recipe, and these Chocolate Chunk Brownies are the perfect blend of rich, fudgy decadence and delightful texture. With chunks of semi-sweet chocolate scattered throughout, each bite is a chocolate lover's dream.
Butter: Provides richness and a soft, fudgy texture. Choose unsalted to control the salt level in your brownies.
Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps achieve a crackly top. Granulated sugar is best for this recipe.
Eggs: These hold the batter together and add moisture. Make sure they're at room temperature to blend easily.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives structure to the brownies without making them cakey.
Cocoa Powder: Adds intense chocolate flavor. Use a good-quality unsweetened variety for the best results.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds depth.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate’s taste.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks: These melt slightly during baking, providing gooey pockets of chocolate.
Chopped Walnuts (optional): Add crunch and a hint of nuttiness. Feel free to omit or substitute with your favorite nuts.
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more decadent experience, drizzle them with warm caramel or chocolate sauce. They also make a delightful addition to a dessert platter, alongside fresh berries or a fruit compote.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven's at the perfect temperature when you're ready to bake. While it heats up, grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. You can use butter or a non-stick spray; just make sure every corner is covered.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the sugar until the mixture is smooth. This step helps dissolve the sugar a bit and creates a glossy batter.
Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time. This helps them incorporate fully and ensures a smooth mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra flavor boost.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mix into the butter mixture. Take your time here to avoid overmixing, which can make the brownies tough.
Fold in the chocolate chunks and walnuts if you're using them. Ensure they're evenly distributed throughout the batter for consistent bites of chocolatey goodness.
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Use a spatula to level it out, ensuring an even bake. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You'll know it's done when the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. This cooling period helps them set and makes them easier to slice without crumbling.