Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that the brownies bake evenly and achieve that coveted fudgy texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
- Grease the Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. For easy removal, consider lining the bottom with parchment paper and greasing it as well.
Step 3: Melt the Butter and Sugar
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter. Stir occasionally until it’s completely melted.
- Combine with Sugar: Remove the saucepan from heat and add 2 cups of granulated sugar. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and combined.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Incorporate Eggs: Allow the butter-sugar mixture to cool slightly, then whisk in 4 large eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sifting helps eliminate lumps and ensures even mixing.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Fold Mixtures Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, using a rubber spatula to fold them together. Be careful not to overmix; stir just until no streaks of flour remain.
- Add Chocolate Chips: If desired, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
Step 7: Bake the Brownies
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
- Cool the Brownies: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes.
- Slice the Brownies: After cooling, lift the brownies out of the pan (if using parchment) and cut into squares or rectangles.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish (Optional): Dust the brownies with powdered sugar and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy your Mamie Brownies warm, or at room temperature, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for the Perfect Mamie Brownies
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. These brownies also freeze well; wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to a month.
- Customization: Feel free to add mix-ins like chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even swirls of peanut butter before baking for a fun twist.
- Fudginess: For extra fudgy brownies, consider slightly underbaking them, as they will continue to set as they cool.
Conclusion
Mamie Brownies are the epitome of fudgy and chewy desserts that will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. This recipe is straightforward and yields brownies that are rich, decadent, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or indulging in a sweet treat at home, these brownies will surely delight everyone who tries them. Happy baking!