Today’s spotlight is on brownies.

A brownie is a baked chocolate confection.

It’s an American dessert or snack that’s named after the color brown. Brownies are often described as a cross between a cake and a cookie. They’re baked without baking powder, so they’re thicker than other cakes.

A chocolate brownie, or simply a brownie, is a chocolate baked confection. Brownies come in a variety of forms and may be either fudgy or cakey, depending on their density. Brownies often, but not always, have a glossy “skin” on their upper crust.

Brownies can taste fudgy, rich, and sweet. They can also taste malty, earthy, and bitter. Texture Brownies can be cakey, fudgy, or chewy. Cakey brownies are light and airy. Fudgy brownies are dense and gooey. Brownies can taste like chocolate. Some brownies have a deep chocolate flavor. Others have a fudgy taste. Other flavors Brownies can have other flavors, like: Chocolate chips, Walnuts, Malty, Earthy, Blondie.

 

Other characteristics Brownies can have:

• Density: Brownies can be fudgy or cakey, depending on their density.
• Crust: Brownies often have a glossy “skin” on their upper crust.
• Size: Brownies are small, flat biscuits or cakes.
• A crackled skin on top
• A slightly crisp edge
• A great texture
• A tempting aroma

 

Other information

• Brownies are not classified as cakes.
• Brownies are classed as finger food, so they’re categorized as a cookie bar (in America).

 

History

Brownies are thought to be of US origin. Brownies were developed in the United States in the late 19th century. They were popularized in the first half of the 20th century. No one can agree on exactly how brownies were created but regardless, I am glad they are here.

Theories about the invention of brownies include:

• The most popular theory is that a housewife in Bangor, Maine forgot to add baking powder to a chocolate cake she was making.
• A Chef accidentally added melted chocolate.
• Another theory is that a chef accidentally added melted chocolate into biscuit dough.
• Another theory is that a cook forgot to add flour to the batter while baking cake.

Another compelling theory is that the first brownie was created in the Palmer House pastry kitchen in 1892 for the Columbian Exposition World’s Fair in Chicago. Bertha Palmer, the wife of Palmer hotel owner Potter Palmer, was president of the Ladies Board for Managers for Exposition. She directed Palmer House pastry chefs to come up with a recipe for a dessert that would be easy to transport in boxed lunches at the Women’s Pavilion.

Earliest known published recipes for a modern style chocolate brownie:

• Home Cookery: (1904, Laconia, NH)
• Service Club Cookbook: (1904, Chicago, IL)
• The Boston Globe: (April 2, 1905, p. 34)
• Fannie Farmer’s cookbook: (1906)

The name “brownie” derives from their color (brown) and from the mythical pixie-like characters common in children’s stories from the same time period.

 

Here are some fun facts about brownies:

• Brownie recipe: The classic brownie recipe has only five ingredients: butter, sugar, chocolate, eggs, and flour.
• Brownie texture: Brownie texture depends on the ratio of flour to fat (chocolate and butter). For example, fudgy brownies have more chocolate and butter and less flour than cakey brownies.
• Brownie flavors: Some brownie flavors include walnut, Nutella, peanut butter, cream cheese, double chocolate, and chocolate and coffee.
• Brownie mix-in: Walnuts are the most popular brownie mix-in.

 

Here is a Brownie Recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons (71 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 1/4 cups (249 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk, cold
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup (75 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (63 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (128 grams) semisweet chocolate chips

 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 8 by 8-inch pan with foil or parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a microwave safe bowl, add the butter and sugar. Microwave for about 1 minute, or until the butter is melted. Whisk in the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla. Stir in the oil and cocoa powder.
3. With a rubber spatula, stir in the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
4. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the brownies are set and a cake tester inserted into the center has moist crumbs attached. Do not overcook. Let cool completely before cutting and serving.
5. Enjoy!

 

Consumption

According to a Betty Crocker Brownie Survey, Americans eat about 4 billion brownies a year. However, a Pinterest post says that Americans eat approximately 1.5 billion brownies per year.

Here are some other brownie statistics:

• In 2020, 166.8 million Americans used dry brownie mixes.
• On average, brownies are consumed 2.04 times every year.
• A box of brownies can make 8 to 100 pieces.

 

Celebrating Brownies

Brownies are certainly something to celebrate. There are a few holidays dedicated to celebrating brownies.

Brownie holidays include:

• National Brownie Day is on December 8.
• National “Have a Brownie” Day is on February 10.

Here are some ways to celebrate National “Have a Brownie” Day:

• Bake brownies: Make your own brownies or use a pre-made mix.
• Visit a local bakery: Get a brownie treat from a local bakery.
• Throw a brownie party: Invite friends over for a brownie party.
• Make brownie kabobs: Create brownie kabobs.
• Create a scavenger hunt: Create a brownie-themed scavenger hunt.

Let us know in the comments how you celebrate brownies, any time of the year.