Brownie

Brownie

A chocolate brownie
Type	Confectionery
Course	Dessert
Place of origin	United States
Serving temperature	Room temperature, chilled, or warm
Main ingredients	Chocolate or cocoa powder, flour, butter, eggs, sugar
Variations	Blondie, fudge brownie, cream cheese brownie, etc.
Cookbook: Brownie   Media: Brownie

The brownie is a type of dessert or snack food that originated in the United States. It is a dense, rich, and fudgy or cakey square or bar, which is considered a cross between a cake and a cookie. Brownies come in a variety of forms and may be either fudgy or cakey, depending on their density. They may include nuts, frosting, cream cheese, chocolate chips, or other ingredients. A variation made with brown sugar and no chocolate is called a blondie.

History

The exact origin of the brownie is unclear, but it is generally accepted that they were first made in the United States at the end of the 19th century. The first known printed recipe for brownies appeared in the 1896 edition of "The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book" by Fannie Merritt Farmer. This recipe was for a molasses-based treat called "Bangor Brownies", which is significantly different from the chocolate brownie known today.

Preparation

Brownies are made by mixing melted chocolate or cocoa powder with butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and sometimes vanilla extract. The batter is then poured into a pan and baked. Variations may include the addition of nuts, chocolate chips, or other ingredients. The texture of the brownie can vary significantly, from fudgy to cakey, depending on the ratio of ingredients and the baking time.

Varieties

There are several variations of brownies, including:

• Fudge brownies: Dense and moist, with a rich chocolate flavor.
• Cakey brownies: Lighter and more airy, with a cake-like texture.
• Blondies: Made with brown sugar instead of chocolate, resulting in a butterscotch flavor.
• Cream cheese brownies: Swirled with cream cheese mixture, offering a tangy contrast to the sweet chocolate.
• Nut brownies: Contain nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.

Cultural Significance

Brownies are a popular treat in the United States and have been adopted by many other countries. They are commonly served at gatherings and special occasions, often accompanied by Ice cream or whipped cream.

See also

• Chocolate chip cookie
• Dessert bar
• List of desserts