Get ready to transform your traditional brownie game with these decadent Gingerbread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting! Imagine a rich, fudgy chocolate base infused with warm, aromatic holiday spices, topped with a luxurious brown butter glaze that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This isn't just a dessert - it's a culinary journey that combines the classic comfort of brownies with the irresistible charm of gingerbread, creating a treat that's perfect for holiday gatherings or when you simply want to elevate your baking skills.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Add brown sugar and granulated sugar, whisking until well combined and slightly smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until the mixture is fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, which will take approximately 1-2 hours.
- For the brown butter frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, cooking until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma.
- Once the brownies are completely cool, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into 16 equal squares.
- Drizzle the brown butter frosting over the brownies, allowing it to set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Use room temperature eggs for better batter integration and smoother texture.
- When browning butter, watch carefully to prevent burning - the transition from golden to burnt happens quickly.
- Don't overmix the batter; this can lead to tough, dense brownies.
- Use a light-colored pan to prevent over-browning and ensure even baking.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting for clean, precise squares.
- For extra flavor, toast your spices briefly before adding to enhance their aromatic qualities.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 95mg
