Indulge in the festive flavors of the holiday season with these German Gingerbread Brownies. This recipe marries the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the warm, aromatic spices of traditional gingerbread. The addition of spiced nuts adds a delightful crunch, making these brownies a truly unique and irresistible treat. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, or simply enjoying on a cozy evening, these brownies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 3.5 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 5.3 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
- Handful of spiced nuts (e.g., candied pecans or spiced almonds), roughly chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cookie and gingerbread spices (or a mix of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the brownies later.
- Melt the Chocolate and Butter:
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the butter, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate. Melt them together using a double boiler or by microwaving in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth and fully melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until the mixture is light and frothy. Slowly add the melted chocolate and butter mixture to the eggs and sugar, stirring continuously until well combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and gingerbread spices.
- Gently incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just blended.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies light and tender.
- Incorporate the Spiced Nuts:
- Gently fold the roughly chopped spiced nuts into the brownie batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Bake the Brownies:
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- The edges should be firm, while the center remains slightly soft.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
- These German Gingerbread Brownies are perfect on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Conclusion:
These German Gingerbread Brownies bring together the best of two worlds: the rich, chocolatey satisfaction of brownies and the warm, spicy comfort of gingerbread. The spiced nuts add a crunchy texture that complements the fudgy brownie base, making each bite a delightful experience. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a cozy dessert on a winter’s night, these brownies are sure to impress. Bake a batch, and enjoy the festive flavors that will warm your heart and home!