How to Make Homemade Brownies in Simple Steps

Drizzle some chocolate on the brownies for an extra treat.

Brownies are a decadent treat that can be made in a variety of ways to suit the baker's preferences. Make cake-like brownies to coat with a layer of chocolate icing or chewy and fudge brownies for a dessert that requires no extras. While brownies may taste like a complex dessert, you can turn them into an afternoon activity for a child of almost any age with an easy, no-bake brownie recipe. When the brownies are finished, children can decorate the squares with candy-coated chocolate smiley faces or shapes.

Things You'll Need

• 2 oz. unsweetened chocolate
• Medium-size saucepan
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cup chocolate cookie crumbs
• 8-inch square baking pan
• Parchment or wax paper
• Spoon or small spatula
• Knife
• Sprinkles or candy-coated chocolate (optional)

Instructions

1. Chop 2 oz., or two squares, of unsweetened chocolate.

2. Put the coarsely chopped chocolate in a medium-size saucepan and pour a whole can of sweetened condensed milk over top of the chocolate.

3. Heat the mixture on low, stirring frequently until the mixture comes to a light boil. Continue to stir continuously for two minutes. The mixture should now appear relatively thick.

4. Take the saucepan off the burner and add 1 1/2 tsp. of vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly.

5. Pour 1 3/4 cups of chocolate cookie crumbs into the mixture and stir again.

6. Cover an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment or wax paper. Pour the brownie mixture into the baking pan and spread it evenly. Press down the top with the back of a spoon or small spatula.

7. Chill the brownies in the refrigerator for three to four hours. Remove the pan from the refrigerator and gently lift the parchment or wax paper edges to remove the brownie slab from the pan.

8. Cut the brownies into small squares and decorate with sprinkles, or candy-coated chocolate, if you prefer.

References

• "Brownies"; Linda Collister; 2006
• "Fabulous Brownies"; Annie Rigg; 2011