Double Dark Chocolate Brownies

Who loves dark chocolate? I've got my hand raised high in the sky!  I LOVE dark chocolate! If you are a fan too you will love my recipes for Dark Double Chocolate Cookies and Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies. If you aren't then don't shy away from these recipes. You can always replace dark chocolate chips with semi-sweet and dark cocoa powder with Dutch cocoa powder.

This recipe was inspired by one of Derek's birthday presents. He got a Lindt Extra Dark Chocolate Bar 85% Cocoa. That's really dark! We both love dark chocolate but it was a little bittersweet for us so I decided it'd be fun to make dark chocolate brownies and melt the dark chocolate bar as a chocolate layer on top. It turned out prettier and tastier than I had imagined!

Isn't this beautiful!? I used a basic cocoa powder based brownie recipe and swapped the cocoa powder for the luscious Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa Powder. It made the batter look black. It was gorgeous! The recipe called for me to use an 8x8 baking dish but I was also making dinner at the same time and was using that dish for our dinner. Bad timing! But it worked out so nice because instead I used an 11x7 pan and I thought it was perfect because the brownies came out smaller than your average brownie. I melted the dark chocolate bar with a touch of butter and spread that over the top. And fyi I added a pinch of powdered sugar to help cut the bitterness. It was perfect!

I cut them into cute small brownies and I took them to Derek's co-workers when I took the kids to visit his office. It was a huge hit! They loved the small size and of course the taste. I thought the texture was just perfect. A little crunchy on the edges and soft and chewy in the middle. Plus let's not forget the delicious chocolate glaze on top. These are seriously amazing brownies! I am so proud of this recipe! I hope you enjoy!

One Year Ago: Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Two Years Ago: Muddy Buddies

Double Dark Chocolate Brownies
*Brownie recipe adapted from Mel's Kitchen Cafe, Chocolate Glaze by me
Ingredients:
10 tablespoons butter
1 1/4 cups sugar
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa Powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs, cold
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Chocolate Glaze:
3 oz. dark chocolate, chopped, or dark chocolate chips (this is about 2/3 cup)
1 tbsp. butter

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line the bottom and sides of an 11x7-inch (or 8x8) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. Lightly grease with cooking spray and set aside.

Cut butter into chunks. Combine the butter, sugar, cocoa, and salt in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for one minute intervals, stirring in between until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Set the mixture aside until it cools slightly, it should be warm but not hot.

Stir in the vanilla with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Add the eggs one at a time stirring vigorously after each addition.  When the batter looks thick, shiny, and well blended, fold in the flour just until incorporated and no streaks remain.  Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake 20-25 minutes, until just set.  Let cool slightly then refrigerate until cool to the touch.

To prepare the chocolate glaze, in a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir and continue to microwave 15 seconds at a time, stirring in between until smooth. Remove brownies from the fridge and evenly spread the glaze on top. (I used the back of a spoon.) Either cool the chocolate glaze by putting the brownies back in the fridge or leave it on the counter top.  Once chocolate is set, cut the brownies into small squares.