I can’t wait to share my favorite recipe for brownies with nuts! These are not just any brownies; they are rich, fudgy, and have that delightful crunch from the nuts that takes them over the top. I remember the first time I made these—my best friend and I were having a cozy movie night, and I wanted to surprise her with a sweet treat. As soon as I pulled them out of the oven, the heavenly aroma filled the kitchen, and I couldn’t resist sneaking a bite before serving them. Let’s just say, there were none left by the end of the night!
These brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re throwing a party, needing a sweet pick-me-up, or just want to satisfy that chocolate craving. Plus, the addition of nuts gives them a satisfying texture and heartiness that makes them feel just a bit more gourmet. Let me tell you, once you try these brownies, you’ll be hooked!
What’s in Brownies with Nuts?
Butter: Butter is the secret ingredient that adds flavor and richness to these brownies. I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the batter.
Sugar: You’ll need both granulated sugar and brown sugar. The brown sugar gives the brownies a lovely caramel flavor and adds moisture, while granulated sugar helps them rise.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor. I prefer Dutch-processed cocoa for its smoothness and rich color.
Eggs: Eggs bind everything together and contribute to that fudgy texture. Room-temperature eggs are easier to mix in, so don’t forget to take them out of the fridge in advance!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile. Trust me, it makes a difference!
All-Purpose Flour: You only need a little bit of flour to give the brownies structure while keeping them chewy and fudgy.
Nuts: I love using walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. Feel free to chop them coarsely so they’re well-distributed throughout the batter.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt amplifies all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Is Brownies with Nuts Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest, brownies aren’t the healthiest treat out there, but they do have some redeeming qualities!
Walnuts: These are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which can be beneficial for heart health.
Dark Chocolate (if you opt to use it): Cocoa is rich in flavonoids, which may promote heart health and reduce blood pressure. So don’t feel too guilty indulging in these brownies!
However, all that sweetness and butter means they are still a dessert, and moderation is key. If you’re watching your sugar or caloric intake, maybe save these for a special treat.
Ingredients
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 large eggs (room temperature)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
**Serves:** 9-12 brownies depending on how you slice them.
How to Make Brownies with Nuts?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the **butter** over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the **granulated sugar**, **brown sugar**, and **cocoa powder** until smooth.
3. Let the mixture cool for a couple of minutes, then add the **eggs** one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the **vanilla extract**.
4. Sift in the **flour** and **salt**, and fold until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix! Then gently fold in the chopped **nuts**.
5. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
7. Let cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Creative Brownie Suggestions
– Want to add some more decadence? Try swirling in some chocolate or peanut butter chips before baking!
– If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for that sweet and salty combination.
– Make these gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
I really hope you give these brownies with nuts a try! They’re always a hit and bring back such sweet memories of fun times with friends. If you make them, let me know how they turn out! Happy baking!