Chocolate Chip Brownie Recipe

The allure of this gloriously decadent chocolate chip brownie recipe will make even the sugar averse salivate in anticipation.

Little mounds of semi sweet chocolate chips dot about unsweetened cocoa for a melt in your mouth treat. 

You can make a batch (or a few) for your next holiday gathering, such as an Easter dinner treat, or as a breakfast dessert on a lazy Sunday morning. If chocolate croissants are an acceptable breakfast food, a chocolate chip brownie at breakfast should be fine once in a while as well.

The Best Chocolate Chip Brownie Recipe

Brownies from a box was the way to go at our house growing up. I recall popping open a bag of Betty Crocker brownie mix, which is interesting because my mom was all about home-cooked from scratch meals.

Making a batch of chocolate chip brownies from scratch doesn't take much more effort. In fact, the benefits of choosing the ingredients ensures you have control over what you're eating.

If you prefer brownies made from scratch, this recipe will be on your best desserts list forever. 

You'll love these chocolate chip brownies because they

• are easy to prepare
• use pantry staple ingredients
• are not overly sweet

Make a big batch around the holidays and you'll be the talk of the party.

Ingredients

Usually, I'm averse to overly sweet foods. It's the whole reason I created the adored subtly sweet brownie recipe. While that recipe calls for raw cacao powder, this brownie recipe ups the sugar level with cocoa powder, though not in a sickeningly sweet way. Sugar is, after all, in the definition of "dessert."

Unlike my subtly sweet brownie recipe, chocolate chip brownies call for cocoa powder and chocolate chips. These ingredients increase the amount of sugar, but cut down on the bitterness at the same time, a balance that is perfectly achieved in this brownie recipe.

Chances are you already have most, if not all, of the ingredients in your pantry to make this chocolate chip brownie recipe. 

As far as dessert recipes go, brownies are fairly forgiving in that you can easily substitute some ingredients and they will still taste just as delicious.

Here are the ingredients you will need:

• Flour, ½ cup, all purpose - As with most bread-like desserts, flour constitutes the base of these brownies. I use a little less flour than other recipes, because I prefer a fluffier, cakey consistency for brownies.
• Eggs, 2 - These brownies are not complete without the emulsifying catalyst of eggs to help mix the dry with the wet ingredients. You can use 2-3 eggs in this recipe.
• Cocoa powder, ¼ cup, unsweetened - Unsweetened cocoa powder imparts the decadent chocolate flavor without introducing additional sugar to this recipe.
• Semi sweet chocolate chips/morsels, ½ cup - Lending sweetness to this recipe, semi sweet chocolate chips are perfect when combined with unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon - Bring out the flavor of both the cocoa powder as well as the sugar through the inclusion of vanilla extract. Vanilla extract is potent, so use sparingly.
• Sugar, ¾ cup, granulated white or cane - Since unsweetened cocoa powder is used, sugar-combined with the chocolate chips-lend most of the sweetness to this dessert. You can use granulated sugar or cane sugar, whichever you prefer.
• Butter, 6 tablespoons, unsalted and softened - This recipe will include a measured amount of salt to control the sodium level, so use unsalted butter. Soften the butter to make it easier to mix with the dry ingredients.
• Baking powder, ½ teaspoon - Baking powder is the leavening agent that makes it possible to develop a cakier brownie such as these.
• Baking soda, ½ teaspoon - Baking soda will ensure these brownies are fluffier as well as less dense or chewy.
• Salt, 1 teaspoon - To balance the sweetness, trust in using just a little salt.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Use chocolate nibs or chunks if you don't have chocolate morsels.
• Exclude the baking powder and baking soda if you want chewy, dense brownies.
• Add blueberries for an infusion of fruity flavor.
• Squeeze some lemon juice for a tart flavor profile.
• Use orange or lemon zest to add a hint of freshness.

Equipment

Brownies do not require any special baking equipment, but a few kitchen utensils make it easier to prepare these chocolate chip brownies.

• Mixing bowl - You can use stainless steel mixing bowls or these beautiful handthrown pottery mixing bowls from etuHome.

• Cake pan - An 8x8 or 9x9 square cake pan is perfect for brownies. Better still, get a high quality baking sheet pan set to handle all the various types of baking you do.
• Parchment paper - Baking and cake pans that have a non-toxic coating to prevent sticking is wonderful, but I usually line the cake pan with parchment paper. You can find parchment paper at most grocery and specialty stores, including compostable parchment paper sheets at Sur La Table, unbleached parchment paper at Target or Kirkland Signature parchment paper at Costco. 
• Spatula - To easily transfer the brownie batter from a mixing bowl to the cake pan, a spatula works best. A wood spatula or a silicone spatula meet most of your baking needs.
• Serving platter - Elevate your brownie serving by using a beautiful serving platter. I love this stunningly gorgeous white porcelain oval platter. In fact, Williams Sonoma carries the nicest assortment of French white porcelain serveware for any occasion.

Instructions

1. Add the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt to a medium size mixing bowl. Stir to combine.

2. To the same mixing bowl, add the eggs, butter and vanilla extract. Mix well to combine.

3. Slowly stir the chocolate chips into the batter. Top with as many as you like. Pour the batter mixture into an 8x8 or 9x9 cake baking pan. I line my pan with parchment paper.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and use a toothpick to check if the brownies are done or if they need a few more minutes. Avoid over-baking.

6. Let the brownies sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. If you want, top with a handful of chocolate chips.

Serving Suggestions

From holidays and parties to family get-togethers and game day celebrations, decadently sweet dessert chocolate chip brownies bring everyone together. 

• Dessert - After dinner, savor a chocolate chip brownie to satiate your sweet craving. Treat guests to this sweet treat at the holidays. Make it a memorable experience, serving brownies on a gorgeous porcelain oval serving platter.

• Snack - Many only think of brownies as a dessert for a special occasion, but these chocolate chip brownies make a great snack. Cut them into bite sized pieces to reduce caloric intake.

How to Store Homemade Leftover Brownies

There are a few different ways to store homemade chocolate chip brownies. 

You can store leftover brownies at room temperature in a covered container, or plastic wrapped dish, for a week or so. Keep in mind an airtight container will keep them fresher longer. You may also store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few weeks or the freezer for a few months.

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