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Crackle-Top Brownies Dessert Recipe

These crackle-top brownies offer a chewy, fudgy texture with a signature crackly, meringue-like top, perfect for any dessert lover. This easy dessert recipe is made with rich Dutch-processed cocoa and chocolate chips, delivering a decadent chocolate flavor in every bite.
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20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 9 pieces

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup 1½ sticks unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1¾ cups packed light brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs at room temperature
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it covers all sides.
  • Melt Butter and Cocoa: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the Dutch-processed cocoa powder and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • Combine Sugar and Eggs: In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the light brown sugar and eggs together on medium speed until the mixture is light, pale, and smooth, around 3 minutes. The mixture should lose any grainy texture between your fingers.
  • Incorporate Cocoa Mixture: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the melted butter and cocoa mixture into the egg mixture. Mix just until combined.
  • Add Dry Ingredients: Remove the bowl from the mixer. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold in the flour and salt until no visible streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips.
  • Pour and Bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the edges. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a butter knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
  • Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the brownies out. Cut them into squares and serve.

Notes

  • For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider using bittersweet chocolate chips instead of semisweet.
  • Ensure the eggs are at room temperature to achieve the best texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour to maintain a tender, chewy texture.
Keyword Best brownie recipes, Chewy brownies with crackly top, Chocolate dessert ideas, dessert recipes, easy dessert recipes, Homemade fudgy brownies
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