Patriotic Brownies

These patriotic brownies are the perfect way to celebrate a national holiday or just show off your American spirit! Rich, fudgy, and packed with chocolatey goodness, these treats are topped with marshmallows, walnuts, and a sprinkle of blue M&M’s for a star-spangled finish.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup marshmallows
• 1 cup blue M&M’s or blue sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.

Set aside.

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

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 in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.

Allow the chocolate to cool slightly.

Fold the chocolate into the batter until well combined.

Stir in the chopped walnuts.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.

Arrange the marshmallows on top of the batter, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the blue M&M’s or blue sprinkles on top.

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into 7 equal pieces and serving.

Notes

Make sure to use room temperature butter for the best results.

Don’t overmix the batter, as this will result in dense brownies.

Since you’re using parchment paper or aluminum foil, make sure to leave some overhang for easy removal of the brownies from the pan.

You can use either blue M&M’s or blue sprinkles, whichever is convenient for you.

If you want a gooier marshmallow topping, bake the brownies for 23-25 minutes instead.

Cutting the brownies into 7 equal pieces ensures everyone gets a decent-sized treat.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 354
• Total Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 44g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 27g
• Protein: 4g