Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons high-quality instant espresso powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup holiday-themed chocolates or peppermint patties (for stuffing)
- Optional: Festive sprinkles or sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparation Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or non-stick cooking spray to ensure the brownies release perfectly.
- Step 2: Mixing the Base In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk vigorously for about two minutes. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and espresso powder. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes pale and slightly frothy; this step is crucial for creating that coveted crackly brownie top.
- Step 3: Incorporating Dry Ingredients Sift the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt directly into the wet ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the mixture together. Stop mixing as soon as the last streak of flour disappears to avoid overworking the gluten, which keeps the texture chewy rather than tough.
- Step 4: Stuffing and Folding Fold in half of the chocolate chips. Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer. Place your holiday-themed chocolates or peppermint patties across the batter. Cover with the remaining batter and sprinkle the rest of the chocolate chips and festive sprinkles on top.
- Step 5: Baking and Cooling Bake for 22 to 25 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached—do not wait for it to come out completely clean, or the brownies will be dry. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before lifting the parchment paper to slice. Cooling is essential for the fudgy structure to set.
- Cook Time: 40 minutes