Mocha Chocolate Brownies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
Brownie Ingredients:
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup dark chocolate chips
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 Tablespoons strong coffee
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon sea salt
Frosting Ingredients:
¼ cup dark chocolate chips
4 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons strong coffee
2-3 Tablespoons milk
2 cups powdered sugar
pinch sea salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8” pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Add butter and dark chocolate chips to a small saucepan on medium heat. Cook until melted, stirring as needed.
Pour brown sugar and granulated sugar into melted chocolate. Whisk to combine.
Add eggs, one at a time, to the chocolate mixture. Whisking after each addition until incorporated.
Add coffee, flour, and salt to the mixture. Whisk until combined.
Transfer the batter tothe prepared pan and bake in a preheated oven for 25- 27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the brownies to cool to room temperature.
To prepare the frosting: Add dark chocolate chips and butter to a small saucepan on medium heat. Cook until melted, stirring as needed.
Pour the melted dark chocolate mixture into a medium mixing bowl.
Add coffee, 1 tablespoon of milk, powdered sugar, and a pinch of sea salt. Use a hand-mixer to mix until incorporated. Mix in an additional 1-2 tablespoons of milk to reachthe desired consistency.
Once brownies have cooled completely, gently lift the brownies out of the pan by the parchment paper and place on a flat surface.
Spread frosting into an even layer over the brownies. Slice and enjoy!
Notes:
Substitutions or Variations:
Nuts – Incorporate a handful of chopped crunchy walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter and/or the frosting for added texture and flavor.
Mint chocolate chips – Enhance the batter with mint extract and extra chocolate chips for a refreshing twist. For an extra crunch, consider adding crushed candy canes to the mix.
Hazelnut – Introduce a spoonful of Nutella into the batter for an irresistible blend of chocolate and hazelnut goodness.
Peanut butter – Swirl creamy peanut butter into the brownie batter for a crowd-pleasing treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the nuttiness of peanut butter.
Additional flavors – Experiment with extracts such as vanilla, almond, or orange for unique flavor profiles, or sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to add warmth and depth to the brownies.
Use high-quality chocolate chips – The main flavor in this recipe is chocolate, so you’ll want to use good-quality chocolate chips. We used 60% cacao chips but however, you can use semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer a lighter chocolate brownie.
Melt the chocolate properly – When making brownie recipes, be careful not to scorch the chocolate. Use a double boiler or melt them in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals on medium to low heat. Stir the mixture frequently to avoid burning.
Don’t overmix – You’ll want to whisk just until the wet ingredients and dry ingredients are combined.
Don’t overbake – Unlike cake mixes, these brownies should be slightly gooey in the center when you take them out of the oven.
Cool completely – Be sure the brownies are completely cooled before you frost.
FAQs:
What if I don’t have brewed coffee?
You can substitute instant coffee powder dissolved in hot water in equal measure to the amount of strong coffee called for in the recipe. Simply dissolve the instant coffee powder in the milk before incorporating it. For an even bolder coffee flavor, opt for instant espresso powder instead.
Storage Instructions:
Refrigerate – Place the frosted brownies in an airtight container in a single layer. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Freeze – You can freeze these brownies, sliced or whole. Once completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, place them in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Facts:
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 393kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 119mg | Potassium: 165mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 418IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 1mg
Recipe courtesy of Balancing Motherhood.com
