Name: Espresso Brownies from Scratch
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487031H16M54S
Total time: PT-487031H16M54S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tbsp instant espresso powder (or finely ground coffee); 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional for extra richness)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes these Espresso Brownies from Scratch so special is the addition of espresso, which brings out the deep, complex flavors of the chocolate. The espresso doesn’t overpower the brownies, but rather enhances the chocolatey goodness, making every bite more indulgent. The texture is perfectly fudgy, with a slightly crisp top that gives way to a rich, gooey center. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or on their own, these brownies are the ultimate treat for any chocolate lover.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp instant espresso powder (or finely ground coffee)
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional for extra richness)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder. Set aside.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth and combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully incorporated. The batter will be thick.
Add chocolate chips: If using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter at this point for extra richness.
Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. You can enjoy them warm, or let them cool completely before cutting into squares.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 9-12 brownies
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Nutty addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a bit of crunch and flavor.
Dark chocolate twist: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips to intensify the flavor.
Coffee flavor boost: Add more espresso powder (up to 2 tbsp) if you want a stronger coffee flavor in your brownies.
Vegan option: Replace the eggs with flax eggs or a chia seed mixture and substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil for a vegan version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay fresh and fudgy, and you can reheat them slightly for a warm treat.
Freezing: You can freeze these brownies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply microwave a brownie for about 15-20 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use brewed coffee instead of espresso powder?

Yes, you can use brewed coffee in place of espresso powder. For each tablespoon of espresso powder, use 1/4 cup of strong brewed coffee. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, and the flavor may be a bit milder.

2. Can I make these brownies without chocolate chips?

Yes, you can absolutely make these brownies without chocolate chips. The brownies will still be delicious and fudgy with just the cocoa powder, though the chocolate chips do add an extra layer of richness.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double this recipe. If you’re using a 9×13-inch pan, you may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes, so be sure to check with a toothpick to ensure they’re done.

4. Can I use decaffeinated espresso powder?

Yes, decaffeinated espresso powder will work in this recipe. The flavor will still be enhanced by the coffee, but it will be caffeine-free.

5. Can I add a frosting to these brownies?

Yes, you can top these brownies with a variety of frostings, like a simple chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or even a coffee-flavored buttercream for an added layer of richness.

6. How do I make these brownies fudgier?

To make your brownies even fudgier, reduce the baking time slightly. Start checking around 25 minutes to avoid overbaking. A slightly underbaked brownie will have a gooier center.

7. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum, or add it separately to maintain the right texture.

8. How can I make the brownies less sweet?

If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup. Keep in mind that this might alter the texture slightly, but the espresso and cocoa will still provide a great flavor balance.

9. How can I make these brownies more coffee-flavored?

If you love coffee flavor, increase the amount of espresso powder to 2 tablespoons. You can also replace a small portion of the sugar with a tablespoon of instant coffee granules for an extra boost.

10. Can I make these brownies in advance?

Yes, these brownies can be made a day ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll actually get a bit more flavorful after sitting for a day, allowing the coffee flavor to deepen.

Conclusion

Espresso Brownies from Scratch are the ultimate treat for chocolate and coffee lovers. The combination of rich cocoa and espresso creates a decadent brownie that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a personal treat with your favorite cup of coffee, these brownies will undoubtedly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With their fudgy texture and the perfect hint of coffee, they’re an irresistible dessert that’s easy to make and hard to resist!

Espresso Brownies from Scratch