Brown Butter Crinkle Top Brownies Recipe
Introduction
These Brown Butter Crinkle Top Brownies offer a rich, decadent chocolate experience with a unique nutty flavor from browned butter. The crinkly top and gooey center make them irresistible for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) salted butter
- 1 bag (10 ounces) mini chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 2: Place the butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Cook until it browns lightly and smells toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 3: Stir in the mini chocolate chips until completely melted. Then mix in the vanilla extract and instant coffee granules.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously for about one minute until bubbly on top. Add the melted chocolate mixture and powdered sugar, whisking until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 5: Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt. Stir gently until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chunks.
- Step 6: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 28-30 minutes until the brownies are set and have a crinkly top.
- Step 7: Optionally, sprinkle with flaked sea salt before serving. Allow to cool slightly, then enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For an extra mocha flavor, increase instant coffee to 1 tablespoon.
- Use dark chocolate chunks for a richer, less sweet brownie.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature to create a light, bubbly batter.
- Swap sea salt flakes for chopped nuts to add crunch.
Storage
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving to restore softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to the batter to balance the flavors.
What causes the crinkly top on these brownies?
The crinkly top forms from beating the eggs well and the sugar melting during baking, creating a thin, crackly crust over the moist interior.
Print
Brown Butter Crinkle Top Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Description
These Brown Butter Crinkle Top Brownies are rich, fudgy, and packed with chocolate goodness. Featuring a nutty brown butter base infused with melted mini chocolate chips and instant coffee for depth of flavor, these brownies boast a signature crinkly top and a tender yet fudgy interior. The addition of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks adds delightful pockets of melted chocolate throughout, making every bite heavenly. Perfect for chocolate lovers craving an elevated homemade treat.
Ingredients
Brown Butter Chocolate Base
- 1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) salted butter
- 1 bag (10 ounce) mini chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
Dry and Additional Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup semi sweet or dark chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a 9×9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Brown the Butter and Melt Chocolate: Place the salted butter in a pot over medium heat. Allow it to brown lightly; this will take about 2-3 minutes and it should emit a toasted aroma. Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the mini chocolate chips until they are fully melted. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and instant coffee granules to infuse the batter with rich flavor.
- Mix Eggs and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously for about 1 minute until they become bubbly on top. Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture and powdered sugar to the eggs, whisking continuously for 1-2 minutes until the batter is smooth and glossy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Into the wet mixture, gently fold in the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt. Stir the batter just until everything is incorporated to keep the brownies tender.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chunks: Fold in the semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks evenly throughout the batter to add pockets of melted chocolate in the final bake.
- Bake the Brownies: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes or until the brownies have set and the iconic crinkly top has formed. They should be just firm but fudgy inside.
- Finishing Touch: Optionally, sprinkle flaked sea salt over the warm brownies to enhance the chocolate flavor and add a touch of savory contrast. Allow to cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy your decadent brownies!
Notes
- Room temperature eggs help achieve a smooth and airy batter.
- Be careful not to overmix once dry ingredients are added to avoid tough brownies.
- Brown butter adds a nutty depth, but can be skipped if unavailable (use melted butter instead).
- The instant coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup and perfect edges.
- Adjust baking time slightly if using a glass or metal pan as heat distribution differs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: brown butter brownies, fudgy brownies, crinkle top brownies, chocolate brownies, homemade brownies, rich brownies, easy brownie recipe
