XOCOLATL Recipes, Chapter 3: Brownies and Bars

Recipe 1: Classic Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
3. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and let it cool.
4. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla to the melted butter and stir until combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until well combined.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing them and cutting them into squares.

Recipe 2: Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) square baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
3. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and let it cool.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and vanilla until combined.
5. Add the melted butter and whisk until smooth.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
7. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and whisk until well combined.
8. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out slightly fudgy.
10. Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing them and cutting them into squares.

Recipe 3: Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients: For the base:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, butter, sugar, and salt until crumbly.
4. Press the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden.
5. In a separate bowl, beat peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until creamy.
6. Spread the peanut butter mixture over the base and smooth out the top.
7. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the peanut butter layer.
8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the chocolate chips have melted and the top is golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing and serving.
10. These chocolate peanut butter bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a sweet treat for a party or a delicious snack for an afternoon pick-me-up. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter is a classic that's sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, with the simple recipe and easy-to-find ingredients, these bars are a cinch to whip up whenever a chocolate craving strikes.

Recipe 4: Chocolate Mint Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together melted butter and sugar until smooth.
5. Add eggs one at a time, stirring after each addition.
6. Stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
8. Fold in the chocolate chips.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving.

Recipe 5: Chocolate Caramel Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, butter, sugar, and salt until crumbly.
4. Press the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
5. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly over the crust.
6. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top.
7. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving.