Desserts > American Desserts

Ancho Chili-Chocolate Brownies Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ancho chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt until well combined.

3. Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, whisking well after each addition.

4. Stir in the flour and chocolate chips until just combined.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean.

7. Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
This recipe makes 12-16 brownies.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 320
Total fat: 17g
Saturated fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 160mg
Total carbohydrates: 42g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Total sugars: 31g
Protein: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use regular chili powder instead of ancho chili powder.
- If you don't have semisweet chocolate chips, you can use dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.

Variations:
- Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter for extra crunch.
- Swirl in a tablespoon of peanut butter or Nutella into the batter before baking.
- Top the brownies with a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to whisk the ingredients well to ensure a smooth batter.
- Don't overmix the batter after adding the flour, or the brownies will become tough.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing to prevent them from falling apart.

Storage Instructions:
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
To reheat the brownies, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the brownies on a platter or cake stand, dusted with powdered sugar or cocoa powder.

Garnishes:
Top the brownies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pairings:
Serve the brownies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.

Suggested Side Dishes:
These brownies are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with fresh fruit or a side of whipped cream.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the brownies are too dry, try reducing the baking time by a few minutes.
- If the brownies are too gooey, bake them for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before and after handling raw eggs.

Food History:
Chocolate and chili have been paired together for centuries, dating back to the ancient Aztecs who believed that chocolate had magical properties and used chili to enhance its flavor.

Flavor Profiles:
These brownies have a rich chocolate flavor with a subtle hint of cinnamon and a spicy kick from the ancho chili and cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve these brownies as a dessert or snack, or bring them to a potluck or party.

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Taste: Rich, Fudgy, Chocolatey, Spicy, Sweet