Fudgy Brownies

LMillerRN's Note:

Instant coffee in the batter intensifies the chocolate flavor. Beating the sugar and eggs together gives the baked brownies a crackly surface.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 16

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon hot water
• 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°.
2. Place sugar and eggs in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until thick and pale (about 5 minutes). Combine hot water and coffee granules, stirring until coffee granules dissolve. Add coffee mixture, butter, and vanilla extract to sugar mixture; beat at low speed until combined.
3. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour, cocoa, and salt, stirring with a whisk. Gradually add flour mixture to sugar mixture, stirring just until moist (batter will be thick).
4. Spread batter into an 8-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 325° for 23 minutes or until brownies spring back when touched lightly in center. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Garnish brownies with powdered sugar, if desired.