Of course giving a box of chocolates is classic Valentine’s Day. Have you ever heard the Barefoot Contessa talk about how she used to send Jeffery boxes of brownies when they were dating? I would much rather receive a box of brownies than a box of chocolates. I would also much rather give a box of brownies than a box of chocolates.
The boxes are beautiful, but these brownies are the true star of the show. They are just as decadent as homemade fudge – with the same consistency. They don’t have the chewy consistency of a boxed brownie, but more of a dense fudge. They stir together (no mixer required) in just a few minutes and are made from really simple ingredients.
The Best Brownies
This recipe is based on the Barefoot Contessa’s Outrageous Brownies, but I’ve simplified it for our taste (without nuts and extra chocolates).
2 sticks of butter
2 cups of chocolate chips
1 cup of sugar
2/3 cup of flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
3 eggs
In a large microwave safe bowl, place chocolate chips, then top with butter. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, until butter melts and covers the chips. Stir to melt.
Add the flower, baking powder and salt to the mixture. Stir just until almost combined. Beat eggs lightly, then stir in until mixed completely. Do not over mix. Just until combined.
Pour into a Parchment lined Small Sheet Pan (9×13) and bake for 20-24 minutes at 350 degrees.
When they come out of the oven, let them cool completely before cutting. I recommend refrigerating them or about an hour to make them firm and easy to work with. Run a knife around the edge and lift the entire sheet of brownies with the Parchment Paper out of the pan, using a spatula to help you.
TIP : The main trick to getting the brownies to come nicely out of the pan is using a Parchment Paper ($10) sheet on the pan. This recipe is perfect for one of my Small Sheet Pan ($8) but you can double the recipe and use a Large Sheet Pan ($10) For both sizes, I use my Parchment sheets, but either fold or cut it in half for the Small Sheet Pan.
TIP : Another good idea is to place the brownie pan on a large sheet pan (also lined with Parchment) while baking. This batter can tend to bubble over the edge slightly.
Once they are out, you can cut them into squares or shapes with cutters.
I think this is such a lovely gift and can’t wait to make boxes full of brownies for all of our teachers, neighbors and friends. Did I mention this is so much easier than decorating sugar cookies?!
Essentials Used:
Small Sheet Pan, $8
Large Sheet Pan, $10