Bodacious Brownies

Rich, fudgy, and utterly decadent, these Bodacious Brownies are the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers.

With a velvety smooth texture and intense cocoa flavor, they’re sure to satisfy even the most intense cravings.

Packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips and topped with crunchy walnuts (if you dare!), these brownies are the epitome of indulgent bliss.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Add the cocoa powder and mix until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double boiler and allow them to cool slightly. Fold the chocolate into the batter until well combined.

If using walnuts, fold them into the batter at this stage.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted 2 inches from the pan’s edge comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper or foil and cut into 5 squares.

Notes

For a chewier brownie, bake for 23-25 minutes. For a more set brownie, bake for 30-35 minutes.

Make sure to not overbake, as the brownies will continue to set as they cool.

If using walnuts, be gentle when folding them into the batter to avoid breaking them. To ensure the brownies are fully cooled, wait at least 30 minutes before cutting into them.

If you’re having trouble cutting clean squares, try refrigerating the brownies for 10-15 minutes to firm them up.

You can also customize these brownies by adding different types of nuts or dried fruit to the batter. Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 242
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 125mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 31g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 17g
• Protein: 4g