Brown Sugar Brownies
Similar in texture to a chewy chocolate brownie but made without chocolate, Brown Sugar Brownies are even richer and more flavorful than a traditional blondie bar. They are the most delicious brownies you will ever have!
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Brown Sugar Brownies
I love the fudgy texture of brownies, so I set out to create that same chewy, rich texture and crackly top in a blondie-style bar. I find most blondies to be a bit on the blander side, and I wanted an indulgent dark brown sugar flavor with lots of caramel flavor! This recipe is hands-down perfect.
These brown sugar brownies are perfect for bake sales, family parties, holiday gatherings, picnics or just as a tasty snack to have around the house! They don’t last long at my house, my husband *loves* them too.
Ingredient Notes
With only 7 ingredients, these brownies are simple to make and you might even find you have all the ingredients on hand already!
Dark Brown Sugar – Let’s start with the most important ingredient in these brownies! DON’T use light brown sugar, the rich flavor won’t come through without the extra molasses found in dark brown sugar. Dark brown sugar has more molasses than light brown sugar. This helps create that ooey, gooey texture and the rich flavor of caramel. The molasses melts during baking and adds extra moisture to the brownies.
Melted Butter – You can use any type of butter you like, I use salted butter. If you use unsalted butter, I’d add 1/4 tsp of salt in the batter, but it’s optional. I think that extra touch of salt whether from the butter or added in helps bring out the sweetness of these brownies.
Eggs – Use large eggs!
Vanilla Extract – Don’t skimp on the vanilla, use two full teaspoons!
Flour – I recommend an unbleached all-purpose flour.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder
How to make Brown Sugar Brownies
Be sure to check out the full (printable) recipe and ingredient list at the end of the post.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper. A 9×9 pan would also work, the brownies will be slightly thinner, however.
- Stir together the melted butter and dark brown sugar.
- Add eggs, one at a time, stir well and add in vanilla extract.
- Add in dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda) and stir to combine well.
- Pour batter into pan and bake for 35-40 minutes. Allow brownies to cool before cutting in to squares.
Tips for Brown Sugar Brownies
DON’T OVERBAKE – You want to make sure your brownies are baked, but not over-baked. You don’t want dry brownies. They’ll continue to bake from residual heat even when removed from the oven so as long as the edges are pulled away from the sides, the top is set and the middle is firm, you’re good to go!
USE DARK BROWN SUGAR – I can’t stress this enough, you don’t want to use light brown sugar for these brownies. The extra molasses is necessary to achieve that rich, toffee-like flavor and fudgy, gooey center!
How to Store Leftover Brown Sugar Brownies:
Have leftovers? Store these Brown Sugar Brownies in an airtight container for up to one week. Serve at room temperature.
Variations on Brown Sugar Brownies
Let’s switch things up! While I LOVE this easy brownie recipe just the way it is, sometimes you just want to have some fun, right? Here are some variations of this recipe that are just as tasty as the original.
Nuts – Go nuts with pecans, walnuts, peanuts, macadamia nuts or any other favorite nut! I recommend 1 cup of your favorite nut, roughly chopped.
Chocolate Chips – Add in 1 cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips or white chocolate chips.
Baking Chips – Look for butterscotch chips, toffee bits, or caramel bits for an even richer flavor.
Coffee – The rich caramel flavor pairs well with coffee flavor so add 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso for a coffee brown sugar blondie!
Looking for another decadent brown sugar dessert? You MUST try my Southern Brown Sugar Pie! It’s always on our table at Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Want more brownies? Try my Homemade Brownies, Cream Cheese Brownies and my Butterscotch Brownies too!
Brown Sugar Brownies
Ingredients
- 2 cups dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter - (1 stick)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl (or using an electric mixer on low), stir together melted butter and dark brown sugar until combined (will be thick).
- Add eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition.
- Add vanilla extract and stir to combine.
- Add flour, baking soda and baking powder and mix well until combined, but do not over-mix.
- Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 35-40 minutes. Brownies are done when they begin to pull away from the sides and the center is set but still gives slightly when pressed. Brownies will continue to bake from residual heat when removed from oven.
Can’t wait to try your recipe. My mom used to call a similar cookie “Chinese Chews”…. Then here in Charleston, they are called “Charleston Chews”… but made with light brown sugar. I know the dark brown sugar will make my favorite cookie even yummier…. Hats off to you, Courtney !!!!
Absolutely stunning, I’ll prepare it for Christmas family gatherings, and it’s now my absolute favorite dish ever.
Brown sugar brownies offer a delightful twist on the classic chocolate treat, infusing a rich caramel-like flavor from the brown sugar.
These are incredible!!! Will be making these for future family gatherings for sure.