Brown Butter Fudgy Brownies with Flaky Salt

Ingredients

• 0,75 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0,5 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 unit large eggs
• 1 unit large egg yolk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp instant espresso powder
• 0,75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 0,66 cup all-purpose flour
• 0,5 tsp fine salt
• 0,75 cup chopped dark chocolate (70%)
• 1 tsp flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch (20 cm) square pan with parchment, leaving overhang on two sides.

2. 2

   In a light-coloured saucepan, melt 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter over medium heat, swirling often, until it foams and turns amber with a nutty aroma, about 5 minutes. Pour into a large bowl and let cool 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Whisk 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar and 1/2 cup (100 g) packed brown sugar into the warm brown butter until glossy and slightly thickened.

4. 4

   Add 2 large eggs plus 1 yolk, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tsp instant espresso powder. Whisk vigorously for 1 full minute until the mixture ribbons and looks satiny : this creates the shiny crackled top.

5. 5

   Sift in 3/4 cup (75 g) cocoa powder and 1/2 tsp fine salt; fold with a spatula until smooth.

6. 6

   Add 2/3 cup (85 g) all-purpose flour and fold just until no streaks remain. Do not overmix.

7. 7

   Fold in 3/4 cup (130 g) chopped dark chocolate (70%), reserving a handful to scatter on top.

8. 8

   Scrape the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the surface, and press the reserved chocolate on top.

9. 9

   Bake for 25-28 minutes, until the top is crackled and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).

10. 10

    Sprinkle immediately with flaky sea salt. Cool completely in the pan on a rack, then lift out and slice with a hot, clean knife for sharp edges.