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Perfect Brownies

4.84 from 6 votes
With a whisper of coffee from espresso powder and notes of caramel from dark brown sugar, these brownies have a rich flavor that sings in every luxurious bite.
Makes 9 brownies

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1⅔ cups (200 grams) confectioners’ sugar*
  • ¾ cup (165 grams) firmly packed dark brown sugar*
  • cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons (15 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • ¾ teaspoon (2.25 grams) kosher salt
  • ¾ teaspoon (1.5 grams) instant espresso powder
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) baking powder
  • 4 large eggs (200 grams), room temperature and lightly beaten
  • 2 teaspoons (8 grams) vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (170°C). Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Line pan with parchment paper, letting excess extend over all sides of pan.
  • In the top of a double boiler, heat chocolate and butter over simmering water, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth. Turn off heat, and whisk in sugars until well combined, 1 to 2 minutes. (Mixture will not be completely smooth.) Remove from heat, and let cool for 5 minutes.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, salt, espresso powder, and baking powder.
  • Gradually add eggs to chocolate mixture, whisking until combined. Whisk in vanilla. Fold in flour mixture just until combined. Spread batter into prepared pan.
  • Bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs, 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool in pan for 15 minutes. Using excess parchment as handles, remove from pan, and let cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

*We used C&H® Powdered and Dark Brown Sugars.

PRO TIP

Confectioners’ sugar dissolves more evenly than granulated sugar, which contributes to the brownies’ lightly crisp and flaky top crust.
 
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