Browned Butter Brownies

I had the idea the other day to make brownies, but decided to use browned butter in them.  I made browned butter chocolate frosting a while ago, and was totally smitten.  Why, then, have I not done more browned butter chocolate recipes?  I have no idea.  But these brownies are incredible.  I used one of my favorite King Arthur Flour brownie recipes, added browned butter and milk chocolate chips, then topped it off with browned butter chocolate frosting.  So delicious!

Browned Butter Brownies

Brownies:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup + 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup + 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
Chocolate Frosting:
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, browned and cooled to room temperature
2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 to 3 Tablespoons milk

Preheat the oven to 350F.  Lightly grease a 9x9 inch square pan.

Place the butter in a shallow saucepan (one with a light colored bottom is best so you can see the progress of the browning).  Heat the butter over medium-high heat until melted and bubbling.  Continue cooking the butter, swirling the pan, or stirring occasionally to see how the butter is cooking.  Cook the butter until it reaches a golden brown color. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar.  Let sit for several minutes to cool slightly.  Add the cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract and stir until well blended and smooth.  Add the eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition.  Add the flour and stir until smooth.  Fold in the chocolate chips.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.  Bake in the preheated oven for 23 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Remove the brownies from the oven and let cool.

For the frosting, in a large bowl, beat together the browned butter, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until crumbly.  Add the vanilla and 1 1/2 tablespoons of milk and beat until smooth.  Add the remaining milk, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.  Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies.  Makes 16 brownies.

Enjoy!  -Cardamommy