Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my favorite holiday treat—Thanksgiving brownies! These rich, chocolatey squares are the perfect sweet ending to a festive meal. I remember the first time I made them; it was a chilly November afternoon, and the smell of melted chocolate filled my kitchen, luring everyone in. The combination of fudgy goodness and crunchy walnuts (if you choose to add them) is just heavenly! Plus, they’re so easy to whip up, making them a go-to dessert during the holiday season. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close because they’re not just brownies; they’re a slice of holiday joy that everyone will love. So, let’s dive into making these delightful Thanksgiving brownies!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Brownies
Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and dive into making these scrumptious Thanksgiving brownies! The process is super straightforward, and I promise the end result is worth every minute. Just imagine slicing into a warm brownie and watching that gooey chocolate goodness ooze out—yum!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for getting that perfect bake.
- While that oven warms up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. You don’t want your beautiful brownies to stick!
- Now, let’s melt the butter. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter until it’s nice and smooth. Make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn—no one wants burnt butter brownies!
- Once melted, take the saucepan off the heat and stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar, followed by 4 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix it all up until it’s creamy and well combined.
- Next, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Gently mix in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until you see no more streaks of flour. This is where the magic starts!
- If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts for that extra crunch. They complement the chocolate so beautifully!
- Pour that luscious batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Now, pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let those brownies cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling step is key; it allows them to firm up, making them easier to cut into squares.
And there you have it! Your Thanksgiving brownies are ready to impress your family and friends. Just try not to eat them all before dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make—perfect for when you need a last-minute dessert!
- Rich chocolate flavor that satisfies even the biggest chocolate cravings.
- Perfect for gatherings; who can resist a homemade brownie at the holiday table?
- Vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy them without worry.
- Easy to store—just pop them in an airtight container, and they stay delicious for days!
Tips for Success
Now, let me share some of my favorite tips for making the best Thanksgiving brownies you’ll ever have! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your brownie game to a whole new level.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder: This really makes a difference in flavor. I always go for the good stuff because these brownies deserve it!
- Check for doneness: Remember to use a toothpick to test if they’re done—insert it into the center, and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re golden! If it’s too wet, give them a couple more minutes.
- Cool before cutting: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting them cool in the pan for a bit helps them firm up and makes cutting easier. Plus, you’ll get those perfect brownie squares!
- Don’t overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, and nobody wants that!
- Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to get creative! Besides walnuts, try adding chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a swirl of peanut butter for a fun twist!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have Thanksgiving brownies that are not just good—they’ll be the star of your dessert table! Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Before we dig into the deliciousness, let’s chat about the nutrition of these Thanksgiving brownies! Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this is just an estimate. Each brownie is packed with flavor and a bit of indulgence, making them a delightful treat for the holidays.
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g
So, while they’re definitely a treat, they can fit into your holiday festivities without too much guilt. Just remember, moderation is key—especially when you’re surrounded by all that delicious food!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delightful Thanksgiving brownies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries I hear, along with my answers to help you out.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These brownies actually taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Just let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months—just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If walnuts aren’t your thing, no problem! You can easily swap them for other nuts like pecans or almonds. If you’re looking for something nut-free, try adding chocolate chips, toffee pieces, or even some festive dried cranberries for a lovely tartness. The possibilities are endless!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing your brownies is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can keep them at room temperature for a few days, or pop them in the fridge for a week if you like them chilled. But honestly, I doubt they’ll last that long—everyone will want seconds!
Can I add frosting to these brownies?
Oh, you definitely can! While they’re rich and delicious on their own, a simple chocolate ganache or a cream cheese frosting can take them to the next level. Just spread it on after they’ve cooled, and you’ll have an even more decadent dessert!
What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch pan?
No worries! You can use an 8×8 inch pan for thicker brownies, but just keep an eye on the baking time as they may need a bit longer. Alternatively, a larger pan will yield thinner brownies, so you might need to adjust the baking time down a bit. Just check for that toothpick test!
Hopefully, these answers will help you whip up the best Thanksgiving brownies ever! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Happy baking!
Print
Thanksgiving Brownies: 7 Ways to Indulge This Holiday
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Thanksgiving brownies are rich, chocolate treats perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
- Fold in walnuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- These brownies can be frozen for up to three months.
- Serve with whipped cream for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: thanksgiving brownies, chocolate brownies, holiday dessert
