Description

These Brown Butter Crinkle Top Brownies feature a rich, toasted brown butter and melted chocolate base combined with instant coffee for depth, resulting in fudgy, moist brownies topped with a signature crinkly surface. Enhanced with semi-sweet chocolate chunks and a hint of sea salt, they are a decadent treat perfect for chocolate lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Brown Butter Mixture

1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) salted butter
1 bag (10 ounce) mini chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons instant coffee granules

Brownie Batter

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
4 large eggs at room temperature
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan. Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Line a 9×9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the brownies after baking.
Brown the Butter and Melt Chocolate. Place the salted butter in a pot over medium heat. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns lightly browned and starts to smell toasted, giving it a nutty aroma. Remove the pot from heat and add the mini chocolate chips, stirring until fully melted and combined. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and instant coffee granules for additional flavor depth.
Mix the Batter. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously for about 1 minute until they become bubbly on top. Slowly whisk the melted chocolate and powdered sugar into the eggs until the mixture is smooth and glossy, about 1-2 minutes. Add the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender. Fold in the semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks evenly through the batter.
Bake the Brownies. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 28-30 minutes or until the brownies are set around the edges and have a characteristic crinkly top. Avoid overbaking to maintain fudginess. Optionally, sprinkle with additional flaked sea salt immediately after removing from the oven for a salty contrast. Let cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

Using browned butter adds a nutty richness that elevates the chocolate flavor.
Instant coffee granules enhance the chocolate without adding a strong coffee taste.
Room temperature eggs help create a lighter batter and better texture.
Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies fudgy and moist.
Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.
For extra crunch, sprinkle flaked sea salt on top after baking while the brownies are still warm.
Allow brownies to cool before slicing to get clean squares.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: brownies, brown butter, chocolate, crinkle top, dessert, fudgy brownies, chocolate chunks, easy brownie recipe, coffee enhanced brownies