Classic Brownies

Ingredients

  • 4 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cubed unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 Tbsp. instant coffee granules
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp. table salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350° and coat an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick spray. Melt chocolate, butter, cocoa powder, and coffee in a bowl in a microwave oven on full power, stirring every 30 seconds (or melt mixture in a heavy saucepan over low heat). Remove from heat when chocolate is nearly melted; stir until totally smooth. Stir in sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Fold in flour and nuts. Spread batter in prepared pan and bake 30–40 minutes. Cool brownies completely on a rack before cutting.