It’s been cold and it’s been snowy, so lets talk Chocolate Walnut Brownies. No I am actually not kidding you. What else does one do when the weather sucks? We hunker down and think of comfort foods and movie marathons. And this weekend, well storm stayed and looking for comfort for sure.
Honestly we did not get hit as bad as Newfoundland but then again no-one got hit that bad. 74 cm in 12 hours is insane. We got snow and cold and an excuse to stay home and bake. (or watch a lot of TV). So, as a said storm and brownies for the win and maybe a little ice-cream and sprinkles for good measure.
Homemade Chocolate Walnut Brownies
Brownies have been a favourite since I was a child. My Aunt Marj always made the nest brownies and passed on the recipe. Today I am trying a little alteration. Can you say alteration when it comes to a recipe or is it an adaptation? Regardless, today I added a slick little icing instead of chips and nuts sprinkles.
The Chocolate Walnut brownies are still moist and gooey. And honestly will have you groaning with delight. Plus start to finish in less than an hour. Can you imagine, within an hour a warm chocolaty dessert.
What you will need for this Recipe
Time to gather the ingredients and get ready to bake:
Chocolate Walnut Brownies ingredients:
- 1 c. unsalted butter
- 2 c. granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 t. real vanilla extract
- 1 c. all-purpose flour
- 1 c. ground cocoa powder, sweetened
- ¼ t. salt
- 1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 c. chopped walnuts
- cooking spray
Frosting Ingredients:
- ½ c. unsalted butter
- 1/3 c. cocoa powder, unsweetened
- 1-1½ c. powdered sugar
- 2-3 T. whole milk
Let’s get Baking
Now the most important part, how exactly do we make the chocolate walnut brownies right?
- Always place the top oven rack in the center position and pre-heat the oven to 350°F.
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.
- in a separate bowl add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt and stir to combine. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet until just combined. (Do not over mix or the brownies will turn out “cakey”).
- Stir the chocolate chips and walnuts into the batter and transfer to the prepared baking pan. Spread into an even layer and transfer to the pre-heated oven.
- Bake for 22-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Brownies will still be soft and will finish setting while they cool.
- To prepare the frosting, mix the butter with the cocoa powder and 1 cup powdered sugar. Add in one tablespoon of milk at a time until desired consistency is reached. If necessary, add the remaining ½ cup powdered sugar to thicken.
- Once cool, spread frosting on top of the brownies before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Fast Tips and Tricks
Many people have asked can you freeze these chocolate walnut brownies? and my response is always yes but why would you. Honestly it’s an 8 by 8 pan, more like snack size for me. OK on a serious note they do freeze well, but if that is your intent hold off on frosting them till ready to serve.
Also I find a ceramic pan works best but that is just a preference. Or maybe the fact I have so much Rae Dunn I use it all the time. She honesty makes the best baking pans I have ever come across.
Big fan of brownies like me? Well check out the double bourbon brownies or even thepeanut butter brownie I have shared already. Who ever gets tired of brownies?
Chocolate Walnut Brownies
Ingredients
- Non-stick cooking spray
- 1 c. unsalted butter
- 2 c. granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 t. real vanilla extract
- 1 c. all-purpose flour
- 1 c. ground cocoa powder sweetened
- ¼ t. salt
- 1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 c. chopped walnuts
- Frosting Ingredients:
- ½ c. unsalted butter
- 1/3 c. cocoa powder unsweetened
- 1-1½ c. powdered sugar
- 2-3 T. whole milk
Instructions
- Place the top oven rack in the center position and pre-heat the oven to 350°F.
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl
- . Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.
- Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to a large bowl and stir to combine.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet until just combined.
- Stir the chocolate chips and walnuts into the batter and transfer to the prepared baking pan.
- Spread into an even layer and transfer to the pre-heated oven.
- Bake for 22-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Brownies will still be soft and will finish setting while they cool.
- To prepare the frosting, mix the butter with the cocoa powder and 1 cup powdered sugar. Add in one tablespoon of milk at a time until desired consistency is reached. If necessary, add the remaining ½ cup powdered sugar to thicken.
- Once cool, spread frosting on top of the brownies before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
