Oh, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when the air is crisp, family gathers around, and the table is overflowing with delicious food. But let me tell you, nothing brings a smile to faces quite like a batch of rich, fudgy brownies. Seriously, these Thanksgiving brownies are my secret weapon for dessert! They’re easy to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser. I mean, who can resist the combination of gooey chocolate and crunchy walnuts? Plus, they’re delightful for sharing after a big meal or even as a cozy treat with your favorite coffee. Trust me, bringing these brownies to your Thanksgiving gathering will not only impress your family but also create sweet memories that last long after the holiday is over. So, let’s dive into how to make these scrumptious Thanksgiving brownies that everyone will love!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter – This is the base of our rich brownies, adding that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 cups sugar – Sweetness is key! This helps achieve that perfect brownie depth of flavor.
- 4 large eggs – They bind everything together and give the brownies a lovely, fudgy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla elevates the chocolate flavor to a whole new level.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Just enough to provide structure without making them cake-like.
- 1 cup cocoa powder – The star ingredient that gives our brownies that rich chocolatey goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts – For that delightful crunch and a hint of nuttiness in every bite.
- 1 cup chocolate chips – Because more chocolate is never a bad idea! They’ll melt beautifully in the brownie batter.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Brownies
Alright, let’s get those brownies baking! This process is super simple, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a batch of delightful treats that everyone will adore.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfectly baked brownie right from the start!
- While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it up. I like to use butter, but cooking spray works too!
- Now, let’s melt that 1 cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn—just let it melt slowly and beautifully.
- Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in 2 cups of sugar, 4 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until it’s all combined and shiny.
- Next, sift in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gently stir until everything is just combined—don’t over-mix it!
- Now, fold in your 1 cup of chopped walnuts and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Wow, that’s going to be a decadent addition!
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake those beauties in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before cutting them into squares. Trust me, the waiting will be worth it!
Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Brownies
- Quick & Easy: These brownies come together in just about 50 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute dessert for your Thanksgiving feast.
- Rich Flavor: With a combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips, each bite bursts with deep chocolate goodness that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Festive Appeal: The addition of walnuts not only adds texture but also gives a nod to traditional holiday flavors, making these brownies feel special.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or even swirl in some caramel for an extra indulgent touch!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves brownies! They’re a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike at your gathering.
Tips for Success with Thanksgiving Brownies
To make sure your Thanksgiving brownies turn out absolutely perfect, here are some of my go-to tips! First, always use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor—go for the good stuff if you can!
Next, be careful not to overmix your batter. Just mix until everything is combined; it helps keep those brownies nice and fudgy. And when it comes to baking, every oven is a little different. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time; you want that toothpick test to come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
Lastly, let them cool before cutting—this helps them hold their shape better. If you want to get fancy, sprinkle a little sea salt on top right after they come out of the oven for that extra touch. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked these delicious Thanksgiving brownies, you’ll want to know how to keep them fresh! To store leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay yummy for about 3-5 days, but I doubt they’ll last that long—everyone loves them too much!
If you want to keep them for a while, you can freeze the brownies! Just wrap each brownie in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat if you love them chilled, but if you want them warm and gooey again, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Perfect for a cozy treat anytime!
Nutritional Information for Thanksgiving Brownies
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of these delightful Thanksgiving brownies is estimated to contain around 250 calories. You’ll get about 12 grams of fat, with 7 grams being saturated fat—oh yes, that richness! There’s also around 20 grams of sugar to satisfy your sweet tooth, along with 3 grams of protein. And if you’re curious about carbs, you’re looking at approximately 35 grams per brownie. Keep in mind, these values are just approximations, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredients. Enjoy every delicious bite without the guilt!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Brownies
Can I substitute the walnuts?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have allergies, feel free to use pecans, almonds, or even skip the nuts altogether for a nut-free version. You can also add in some dried fruit like cranberries for a festive twist!
What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
No worries! You can use unsweetened chocolate instead. Just melt about 4 ounces of chocolate and substitute it for the cocoa powder and some of the butter in the recipe. It’ll still be delicious!
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. I recommend using a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix that includes xanthan gum for the best results.
How can I make these brownies extra festive?
Try swirling in some pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist, or top them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or festive sprinkles before serving. You can even add a dollop of whipped cream on top for that extra indulgence!
What’s the best way to serve these brownies?
These brownies are wonderful on their own, but serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce takes them to the next level. Trust me, they’ll be a hit!
Final Thoughts on Thanksgiving Brownies
I can’t wait for you to try these Thanksgiving brownies! They’re not just a dessert; they’re a way to create delicious memories with your loved ones. I’d love to hear how your batch turns out! Don’t hesitate to share your photos or experiences in the comments below. Did you add any special twists? Let’s celebrate the joy of baking together. Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy every scrumptious bite of these brownies!
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Thanksgiving Brownies Ideas: 7 Sweet Recipes to Delight
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and rich brownies perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, cocoa, and salt until well combined.
- Add walnuts and chocolate chips, stirring gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- Brownies can be frozen for up to three months.
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: thanksgiving brownies ideas
