Description
Indulge in rich, decadent, and intensely chocolatey brownies that rival the iconic Starbucks treat. This copycat recipe delivers fudgy, chewy perfection, packed with semi-sweet chocolate chunks for an irresistible double dose of chocolate bliss. Prepare for an explosion of flavor in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- Optional: Additional chocolate chunks, for topping
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking and achieving that perfect fudgy texture. Ensure your oven is properly calibrated, as temperature variations can affect the outcome. For best results, use an oven thermometer to confirm the accuracy.
Step 2: Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and set it aside. Generously grease the pan to prevent the brownies from sticking. You can use butter, shortening, or cooking spray. For extra insurance, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This creates “handles” that make it easy to lift the finished brownies out of the pan.
Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave until fully melted. Alternatively, you can melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat on the stovetop. Be careful not to burn the butter. Microwaving is the quicker option; melt in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. If using the stovetop, keep the heat low and stir constantly to prevent scorching. Melted butter is essential for the brownie’s moist and tender texture.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Mix well until the sugar is fully incorporated into the butter. Thoroughly combining the melted butter and sugar is vital for achieving that shiny, crackly top that is characteristic of well-made brownies. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to ensure the mixture is smooth and homogenous. The sugar should almost dissolve into the butter, creating a slightly thickened consistency.
Step 5: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing completely after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Room temperature eggs emulsify better into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture and a more even bake. Add the eggs one at a time and beat well. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, which contributes to the brownie’s rise and overall texture. The vanilla extract enhances the chocolate flavor, adding a subtle warmth to the brownies.
Step 6: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisking the dry ingredients ensures that they are evenly distributed, preventing clumps of flour or cocoa powder from forming in the batter. The salt enhances the sweetness of the brownies and balances the overall flavor profile.
Step 7: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, cakey brownies. Mix only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.
Step 8: Fold in the chocolate chunks, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Folding gently preserves the air in the batter and prevents overmixing. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the chocolate chunks, making sure they are evenly dispersed. This ensures that every bite is loaded with chocolatey goodness.
Step 9: Pour the batter into the 9×9 greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle additional chocolate chunks or chips on top of the batter for extra chocolatey goodness. Spreading the batter evenly ensures that the brownies bake uniformly. Adding extra chocolate chunks on top not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides an extra burst of chocolate flavor.
Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to over bake as you want the brownies to be moist and fudgy. The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. This indicates that the brownies are cooked through but still fudgy.
Step 11: Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling the brownies completely allows them to set properly and prevents them from crumbling when you cut them. Place the pan on a wire rack to allow air to circulate around the brownies, which aids in even cooling.
Step 12: Once cooled, cut the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy! Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into clean squares. For best results, run the knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each cut.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Intense Chocolate Flavor: This recipe uses both cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chunks to deliver an unparalleled chocolate experience.
- Fudgy Texture: Perfectly moist and chewy, these brownies are the epitome of fudgy indulgence.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can achieve impressive results.
- Copycat Perfection: Enjoy the taste of Starbucks Double Chocolate Brownies in the comfort of your own home, without the hefty price tag.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by adding nuts, caramel swirls, or different types of chocolate to suit your personal preferences.
COOKING Rating
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Flavor Profile: Intensely Chocolatey, Fudgy
- Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence.
- Pair with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.
- Cut into smaller squares and serve as part of a dessert platter.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
Tips:
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid tough brownies.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting for clean, even squares.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Freeze for longer storage.
- For even fudgier brownies, slightly underbake them.
- Consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chunks or chips to create your own unique brownie variation.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
This Starbucks Double Chocolate Brownie Copycat Recipe is your ticket to homemade chocolate bliss. With its rich, fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor, these brownies are sure to satisfy any sweet craving. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a treat for yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to experience brownie perfection.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different size pan?
A1: While a 9×9-inch pan is ideal for achieving the perfect brownie thickness, you can adapt the recipe to other sizes. If using an 8×8-inch pan, the brownies will be slightly thicker and may require a few extra minutes of baking time. If using a 9×13-inch pan, the brownies will be thinner and may bake more quickly. Keep a close eye on them and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q2: Can I substitute the butter with oil?
A2: While you can technically substitute butter with oil, it will affect the texture and flavor of the brownies. Butter contributes to the rich, fudgy texture and adds a depth of flavor that oil cannot replicate. If you must use oil, choose a neutral-flavored oil such as canola or vegetable oil. However, be aware that the brownies may be slightly less tender and flavorful.
Q3: What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chunks?
A3: If you don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chunks, you can use other types of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate. Milk chocolate chips will result in a sweeter brownie, while dark chocolate chips will create a more intense, bittersweet flavor. You can also use chopped chocolate bars, such as semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate.
Q4: How do I prevent the brownies from being cakey?
A4: The key to preventing cakey brownies is to avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher, cakey texture. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay. Also, be careful not to overbake the brownies. Bake them until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Q5: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A5: Absolutely! Adding nuts is a great way to customize this brownie recipe. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would all be delicious additions. Fold the nuts into the batter along with the chocolate chunks. You can also sprinkle some nuts on top of the batter before baking for a more decorative touch.
