Dark Chocolate Walnut Brownies are a classic dessert that’s easy to make at home. These rich, dark chocolate brownies are filled with crunchy walnuts and made entirely from scratch.
Brownies are practically a foolproof baked good. Because they use simple ingredients, most casual bakers will already have what they need on hand.
You’re going to love my dark chocolate walnut brownies because they are rich, dense, and decadent – everything a brownie should be. Plus, walnuts add the perfect amount of crunch.
I like to make these brownies with dutch cocoa powder, which adds a rich and smooth chocolate flavor and dark chocolate color. Since there are no leavening agents, natural cocoa powder can also be used.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, all-purpose flour, dutch cocoa powder, salt, chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts.
Walnuts can be substituted with chopped pecans, almonds, or peanuts. They can also be omitted completely.
I like to use mini chocolate chips for my brownies, but you can use any chocolate chips you have on hand.
Cocoa powder
Since there are no leavening agents in this recipe, like baking powder or baking soda, the type of cocoa powder you use won’t affect the recipe.
You can use either dutch cocoa powder (for a darker color and smooth, mild chocolate flavor), or natural cocoa powder (for a lighter color and stronger, slightly more bitter chocolate flavor).
Here’s a great article with more information: What’s the Difference Between Natural and Dutch Cocoa Powder?
Making brownie batter
Making brownie batter is incredibly easy. First, you’ll combine all of your wet ingredients, which includes your brown and granulated sugars. I like to use a hand mixer for quick mixing (on low speed), but brownies are very easy to mix by hand.
In a separate bowl, you’ll whisk together your dry ingredients. Whisking will remove lumps, giving you a smooth, even batter.
Last, you’ll combine the two together. Then, you can stir in any mix-ins you’d like to add to your batter, like walnuts and chocolate chips.
Then, you’ll pour your batter into your prepared 8×8 baking pan. I like to use parchment paper with extra hanging over the edges. This way, the brownies can easily be lifted from the pan after baking.
If you’d like, you can also sprinkle some extra walnuts and chocolate chips on top before baking, giving them extra visual appeal.
Dark Chocolate Walnut Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dutch cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup walnuts chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Grease an 8x8 square baking pan or line with parchment and set aside. If lining pan, leave some hanging over the edges to easily pull brownies from the pan once cooled.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sugars, and vanilla. Beat in eggs.
- In a separate bowl, sift together dry ingredients - flour, cocoa, and salt. Slowly stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts. Pour into 8x8 pan and use a spatula to spread evenly to the edges. Batter will be thick.
- Bake for 20-24 minutes, then test with a toothpick for doneness. Insert toothpick into the center of the pan. If toothpick comes out with wet batter, the brownies are not done. Continue checking every 2 minutes. If toothpick comes out with a few crumbs, then the brownies are done.
- Place brownies onto a wire rack and allow to cool completely before cutting and enjoying.
Equipment Recommendations
Notes
- Brownies will keep for 4-5 days in a sealed container at room temperature.
- Dutch cocoa can be substituted with natural cocoa powder.
- Walnuts can be omitted or substituted with chopped pecans, almonds, or peanuts.
- Doubled recipe can be prepared in a 9x13 pan (brownies will be slightly thinner), baking time may increase by up to 5 minutes.
Nutrition
More brownie recipes
- Salted Caramel Brownies
- Small Batch Brownies – makes 8 small brownies!
- Milk Chocolate Frosted Brownies
- Chocolate Brownie Trees with Mint White Chocolate Drizzle – perfect for Christmas!
- Toasted Coconut White Chocolate Blondies
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