Cocoa Brownies with Browned Butter and Walnuts

Cocoa Brownies with Browned Butter and Walnuts
Cocoa Brownies with Browned Butter and Walnuts
These are some of the best brownies we've ever had—fudgy in the middle and chewy on the outside with a shiny, crackly top. The browned butter adds a rich, nutty flavor.
  • Preparing Time: -
  • Total Time: -
  • Served Person: Makes 16
Chocolate Dessert Bake Valentine's Day Birthday Family Reunion Edible Gift Party Butter Bon Appétit Kidney Friendly Vegetarian Pescatarian Peanut Free Soy Free Kosher
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1 cup walnut pieces
  • nonstick vegetable oil spray
  • 3/4 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder (spooned into cup to measure, then leveled)
  • 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon unbleached all purpose flour
  • Carbohydrate 21 g(7%)
  • Cholesterol 42 mg(14%)
  • Fat 10 g(15%)
  • Fiber 2 g(7%)
  • Protein 2 g(4%)
  • Saturated Fat 5 g(26%)
  • Sodium 11 mg(0%)
  • Calories 170

Preparation Position rack in bottom third of oven; preheat to 325°F. Line 8 x 8 x 2-inch metal baking pan with foil, pressing foil firmly against pan sides and leaving 2-inch overhang. Coat foil with nonstick spray. Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking until butter stops foaming and browned bits form at bottom of pan, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; immediately add sugar, cocoa, 2 teaspoons water, vanilla, and 1⁄4 teaspoon (generous) salt. Stir to blend. Let cool 5 minutes (mixture will still be hot). Add eggs to hot mixture 1 at a time, beating vigorously to blend after each addition. When mixture looks thick and shiny, add flour and stir until blended. Beat vigorously 60 strokes. Stir in nuts. Transfer batter to prepared pan. Bake brownies until toothpick inserted into center comes out almost clean (with a few moist crumbs attached), about 25 minutes. Cool in pan on rack. Using foil overhang, lift brownies from pan. Cut into 4 strips. Cut each strip crosswise into 4 brownies. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

Preparation Position rack in bottom third of oven; preheat to 325°F. Line 8 x 8 x 2-inch metal baking pan with foil, pressing foil firmly against pan sides and leaving 2-inch overhang. Coat foil with nonstick spray. Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking until butter stops foaming and browned bits form at bottom of pan, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; immediately add sugar, cocoa, 2 teaspoons water, vanilla, and 1⁄4 teaspoon (generous) salt. Stir to blend. Let cool 5 minutes (mixture will still be hot). Add eggs to hot mixture 1 at a time, beating vigorously to blend after each addition. When mixture looks thick and shiny, add flour and stir until blended. Beat vigorously 60 strokes. Stir in nuts. Transfer batter to prepared pan. Bake brownies until toothpick inserted into center comes out almost clean (with a few moist crumbs attached), about 25 minutes. Cool in pan on rack. Using foil overhang, lift brownies from pan. Cut into 4 strips. Cut each strip crosswise into 4 brownies. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.