the sugarapple

this easy cocoa brownie recipe from Nestle is perfect for a quick dessert and even better when made into brownie bites and dipped into melted chocolate.  take them to the next level and get creative with toppings and make these brownie bites the star of your holiday party.  recipe is below.  let me know if you make them!

chocolatey chewy cocoa brownie bites, recipe adapted from Nestle 

makes 24 brownie bites

ingredients:

• 1  2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine, melted
• 2 tablespoons of hot coffee (note: water is used in the original recipe, see more about the coffee* below)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Baking Cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 10 oz (approximately) of dark chocolate wafers (optional)

preheat: oven to 350º F.  butter individual compartments of bite size brownie pan  (or you could use a 13 x 9-inch baking pan)

combine: granulated sugar, melted butter and coffee* in large bowl.  stir in eggs and vanilla extract. combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in medium bowl; stir into sugar mixture.  use a teaspoon to fill each buttered compartment with brownie filling.

bake: for 20 to 25** minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky.  cool completely.

coat:  while the brownies are cooling, melt 10 oz of dark chocolate (or your preferred candy coating) in a bowl over simmering water.  once melted, dip the cooled brownie bites into the melted chocolate and coat the entire brownie bite or just the top with the melted chocolate.

toppings: sprinkle coated brownie bites with your favorite toppings-some ideas: crushed peppermint candy, walnuts, peanut butter chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, fresh strawberries or other fresh fruit, s’more flavor w/crushed graham crackers & marshmallows, sprinkle cinnamon & cayenne pepper, coconut flakes, rice cereal, powdered sugar, pretzels, potato chips, etc.  get as creative as you want!

peanut-butter-chips-walnut-brownie-bites-via-the-sugarapple

peppermint-smore-brownie-bites-via-the-sugarapple

*coffee:  when you mix the hot coffee with the melted butter and sugar, mix it a few times so that it cools down a bit before adding in the eggs and extract.   I used a general house blend instant coffee, but next time I’d like to try a french vanilla or hazelnut coffee for more flavor.

**bake time:  my brownie bites took 25 minutes, but please check around 20 minutes based on whatever pan you’re using.  stoves can vary and I fear over-baking.