Ultimate Chocolate Chip Fudge Brownies
Indulge in the rich, gooey delight of these Ultimate Chocolate Chip Fudge Brownies. The perfect balance of semi-sweet chocolate, buttery goodness, and a hint of toasted walnuts (if desired) makes these brownies a must-bake for any chocolate lover. Whether for a special occasion, a treat for friends, or a cozy night in, these decadent brownies will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or let them cool and enjoy as a delightful snack. Elevate your dessert game with this easy-to-follow recipe that delivers a chocolate experience like no other.
15
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
semi-sweet chocolate chips
12 ounces (chocolate chips)
butter or margarine
1 cup (2 sticks) (unsalted, cut into chunks)
walnuts
1 cup (toasted and chopped, optional)
eggs
4 large (room temperature)
sugar
1 1/2 cups (granulated)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (pure vanilla extract)
all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups (sifted)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (fine salt)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine 3/4 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the cut butter. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth, taking care not to let it scorch. Once melted, remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
2
While the chocolate is cooling, preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
3
If using walnuts, spread them out on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before roughly chopping.
4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until fully incorporated.
5
Sift the all-purpose flour over the egg mixture in small increments, stirring gently after each addition until the batter is smooth and uniformly blended.
6
Fold in the cooled chocolate mixture, stirring until no streaks remain. If desired, gently fold in the toasted walnuts.
7
Add the remaining 1 1/4 cups of chocolate chips to the batter, mixing them in evenly.
8
Pour the brownie batter into a greased 9x11-inch baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
9
Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
10
Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these brownies the 'Ultimate' version?
These brownies are considered ultimate because they offer a rich, gooey texture with a perfect balance of semi-sweet chocolate, buttery goodness, and optional toasted walnuts.
What is the main flavor profile of this recipe?
The main flavor is decadent fudge and semi-sweet chocolate enhanced by pure vanilla extract and a hint of salt.
How many servings does this brownie recipe produce?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 15 servings.
Are walnuts a required ingredient for these brownies?
No, the walnuts are optional; you can include them for a nutty crunch or leave them out if you prefer.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The brownies should be baked in an oven preheated to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
How do I melt the chocolate and butter?
Combine 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips with the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth.
How should I prepare the walnuts if I choose to use them?
Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10 minutes, then allow them to cool and roughly chop them.
What temperature should the eggs be when mixing?
The recipe recommends using 4 large eggs at room temperature for better incorporation.
Why is it important to sift the flour?
Sifting the all-purpose flour helps ensure the batter remains smooth and uniformly blended without lumps.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
You should use a greased 9x11-inch baking pan.
How long do the brownies need to bake?
The brownies typically bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
How can I tell if the brownies are finished baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter.
Is there a cooling period before cutting the brownies?
Yes, you should let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before cutting into squares.
What is a recommended way to serve these brownies?
They are delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or as a stand-alone snack once cooled.
How much butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of butter, which is equivalent to 2 sticks.
What type of sugar should I use?
Use 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar for this recipe.
What kind of vanilla is best for these brownies?
Pure vanilla extract is recommended to provide the best flavor.
How much salt is included in the batter?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of fine salt to balance the sweetness.
What is the total weight of chocolate chips needed?
You will need a total of 12 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
When do I add the remaining chocolate chips?
Add the remaining 1 1/4 cups of chocolate chips to the batter after folding in the melted chocolate mixture.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe specifies that butter or margarine can be used.
What should I do after the chocolate and butter have melted?
Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature before adding it to the eggs.
How should the flour be added to the egg mixture?
The flour should be sifted over the mixture in small increments and stirred gently after each addition.
What category of dessert does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Bar Cookie.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to melt 3/4 cup of chocolate chips and the butter together in a saucepan over low heat.
How do I avoid scorching the chocolate?
Stir the chocolate and butter occasionally while they are melting over low heat.
How do I incorporate the melted chocolate into the batter?
Fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg and flour base until no streaks remain.
Is the baking pan supposed to be greased?
Yes, the instructions specify using a greased 9x11-inch baking pan.
Can the brownies be enjoyed warm?
Yes, they can be enjoyed warm or cooled, depending on your preference.
What is the consistency of the finished batter?
The batter should be smooth, uniformly blended, and thick enough to be spread evenly with a spatula.