Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipes

Steps:

• Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13-by-9-inch baking pan, preferably metal, with nonstick baking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper leaving a 2-inch overhang on the longer sides. Lightly coat with nonstick spray.
• Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until the butter is a deep golden color, about 5 minutes; the butter will hiss and spit as the whey evaporates so be careful. As the foam subsides the butter will go from a canary yellow color to golden. When it does, take it off the heat. Add the chocolate and cream to the butter and let it sit, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is melted.
• Sift the flour and cocoa powder through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl. Beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, vanilla, espresso powder and eggs in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Start on low speed and gradually increase to high speed until the eggs are pale, very thick and fluffy, about 8 minutes (start your timer when you get to high speed). Do not be tempted to skimp on the mix time; this step is key to getting the signature shiny, crackled brownie top. Reduce the speed to low and slowly pour the warm chocolate into the eggs; beat until completely incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients and beat until just combined; do not overmix. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and fold until the batter is completely combined.
• Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until the brownies are glossy and just barely firm, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 205 degrees F, 25 to 35 minutes. Don't let the thermometer touch the bottom of the pan or you will get a much higher reading. (The cook time will be at the higher end of the range if using a glass or ceramic baking dish.)
• Let the brownies cool completely to allow the crumb to set before slicing, about 3 hours.
• Use an offset spatula to loosen the brownies from the sides of the pan. Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Remove the parchment and cut into 24 squares.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Grease a 13x9 inch pan.
• Melt shortening, butter over low heat or in the microwave.
• Remove from heat and add cocoa, blending well with a wooden spoon.
• Add sugar and mix well.
• Add eggs one at a time, beat well, by hand, after each addition. (It is important to add the eggs individually and to mix them by hand. If you don't, the brownies do not turn out near as good.).
• Stir in vanilla, flour, and salt.
• DO NOT OVER BEAT!
• Fold in nuts.
• Bake 25-30 minutes.
• Cool completely before cutting.
• Extra Rich Variation: melt 4 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate with butter and shortening. Proceed as directed; reducing cocoa to 3/4 cups and increasing flour to 1 1/4 cup. These are sinfully good!

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Butter a 20cm square tin and line with baking parchment. Melt the butter and chocolate in a large heatproof bowl in 30-second bursts in the microwave until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Alternatively, set the bowl over a pan of simmering water, ensuring the base doesn't touch the water, and stir until smooth. Leave to cool slightly.
• Whisk the sugar and eggs together in a bowl using an electric whisk until the mixture has doubled in volume and a ribbon holds for 3 seconds when you lift out the beaters. Scrape the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, and fold gently until well-combined.
• Sift in the cocoa powder, flour and a pinch of salt. Mix to combine, then fold in most of the milk chocolate, pretzels and nuts, reserving some for the top. Scrape the batter into the prepared tin and scatter with the reserved chocolate, pretzels and nuts. Bake on the middle shelf of the oven for 25 mins until just set with a shiny top and gentle wobble in the middle. Leave to cool completely in the tin, then slice and serve.

Steps:

• Get prepared
• Arrange the oven racks so one is in the center position. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Spray the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Cut a piece of parchment paper 8 inches wide and 15 to 16 inches long. Lay the paper in the pan so it travels up and over two of the sides. Spray the paper with nonstick cooking spray.
• Make the batter
• Pour 1 to 2 inches of water into the bottom of a small saucepan and choose a bowl that fits over the saucepan to make a double boiler. Make sure the water is not touching the bottom of the bowl; if it is, pour some water out. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
• Unless you are using chocolate chips, roughly chop the chocolate. Put the butter and chocolate into the bowl of the double boiler and melt them, using a heat-proof rubber spatula to stir and scrape down the sides of the bowl so the chocolate doesn't burn.
• Remove the bowl from the double boiler and wipe the bottom of the bowl so no water drips. Add the sugar, vanilla, and salt and whisk them in. Add the eggs one at a time and whisk until the batter is shiny and smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the flour and stir with a rubber spatula until no flour is visible.
• Bake the brownies
• Using a rubber spatula, transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Use the spatula to smooth out the top of the batter.
• Place the brownies on the center rack of the oven and bake for 20 minutes, rotating the pan from front to back halfway through the baking. Remove the brownies from the oven and cool on a cooling rack. The tops will appear dry, but the insides will remain fudgy if you poke the center with a toothpick or cake tester. Holding the sides of the parchment paper, lift the brownies out of the pan and place them on a cutting board. Using a large knife, cut the brownies into 16 equal pieces.
• Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.