Shortbread Brownie Bites

Paula Deen

• Ready In: 2 hrs
• Yields: 2 dozen brownies

Ingredients

• Crust

• 3  cups all-purpose flour
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup butter, softened

• Brownies

• 1  cup butter
• 6 (1 ounce)  squares  semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 5  large eggs
• 1  tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1⁄4 cup  unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1⁄2 cups  semisweet chocolate chunks

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350; line a13 x 9 inch baking pan with foil; spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Make the crust: in a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt; using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.
3. Press mixture firmly into prepared pan; bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Make the brownies: in a medium saucepan, combine butter and chopped chocolate; cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until chocolate is melted and smooth.
5. Remove from heat, and let cool slightly.
6. In a big bowl, beat sugar and eggs at medium-high speed with a mixer until fluffy; beat in vanilla.
7. In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa, and baking powder.
8. Gradually add to sugar mixture, beating until combined.
9. Add butter mixture, beating until smooth.
10. Stir in chocolate chunks; spoon batter over prepared crust.
11. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until center of brownie is set; let cool completely before serving.