Chocolate Walnut Brownies
Chocolate lovers, meet your new favorite brownie. These chocolate walnut brownies are rich, fudgy, and filled with nutty goodness. Enjoy it for special occasions or any day of the week.
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Is there anyone out there who doesn’t love brownies? Even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen, brownies almost always turn out comforting because they’re so easy to make.
They’re delicious and come in so many different versions.
As for what version is best, well, that really depends on what you like! From fudgy to cakey, with nuts or without, topped with frosting or kept plain, you’ll never run out of options.
So now the question is, which recipe do you want to try first? Brownies without nuts are heavenly and all about that pure, rich chocolate flavor.
But nutty brownies? They have that extra something that makes each bite more interesting. The nuts add an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with deep cocoa notes.
These chocolate walnut brownies are sweet and a little chewy, with a buttery frosting on top. You’ve got to try them! 🍫
Dessert is the best part of the day, right? These Easy Dessert Recipes for Kids are perfect after school or for a fun weekend project.
How to Make Easy Chocolate Walnut Brownies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 26 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies
Equipment Needed
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or silicone spatula
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Toothpick for testing doneness
Brownie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sweetened ground cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Frosting Ingredients
- 2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 to 1½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Place the top oven rack in the center position and preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream together the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and then mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Next, add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir gently and make sure not to overmix, or the brownies may turn out cakey.
Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Step 7: Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The brownies will still be soft and will finish setting as they cool.
Step 8: Make the frosting while the brownies cool. Mix the butter, cocoa powder, and 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth.
Step 9: Add the milk until the desired consistency is reached. If needed, add the remaining ½ cup of powdered sugar to thicken.
Step 10: Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the frosting on top. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
What to Serve with Chocolate Walnut Brownies
- Glass of cold milk: You can never go wrong with the classic. A cold glass of milk pairs perfectly with these fudgy brownies and helps balance the sweetness.
- Coffee or hot cocoa: Brownies and warm drinks make the best cozy afternoon moment. Black coffee is the go-to for many, but try vanilla-flavored coffee if you want something a bit sweeter.
- Dessert spread: These brownies are perfect for a dessert table or party platter. Serve them alongside Lotus Biscoff cookies, pink cake pops, berry granola cups, chocolate mousse and other treats!
Homemade treats > store-bought! These Easy Desserts to Make at Home use just a few ingredients! They’re all sweet and simple—just the way we like it.
Tips on Making the Best Chocolate Walnut Brownies
- Customize it: Not a walnut fan? Try pecans or almonds instead. You can even swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips for a fun twist.
- Add a pinch of instant coffee or espresso powder: This won’t make your brownies taste like coffee—it just deepens the chocolate flavor and adds a little extra richness.
- Check for doneness early: Brownies can go from perfect to dry fast. Start checking with a toothpick at the minimum baking time. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re good. 😋
How to Store Brownies with Chocolate and Walnuts
- Room temperature: Unfrosted brownies are easier to store. If your kitchen is cool and dry, store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. Keep them covered so they stay soft and don’t dry out.
- Fridge: Got leftovers with frosting? Pop them in the fridge! They’ll stay fresh for about 5 days.
- Freezer: You can absolutely freeze these brownies! Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. That’s it—your brownies (and the frosting!) will be soft, warm, and just as fresh as day one.
Extra Kitchen Tools for Brownie Prep and Storage
- While you can absolutely mix brownie batter by hand, a hand mixer or stand mixer makes the job quicker and easier. These tools are great if you bake often or just want to give your arms a break!
- Don’t leave the brownies in the hot pan too long, as it can make them dry out. Just transfer them to a cooling rack to let air circulate underneath and help them cool faster and more evenly.
- Get this stackable airtight container and store a big batch of chocolate walnut brownies without taking up a ton of fridge space.
FAQs About Making Homemade Brownies with Chocolate and Walnuts
Are walnuts good in brownies?
Yes, walnuts are great in brownies! They add a nice crunch and an earthy flavor to your dessert.
What’s the best kind of nuts to put in brownies?
Aside from walnuts, you can also use pecans, almonds, or even chopped hazelnuts. Each one adds its own texture and flavor, so it really depends on what you like best.
How to toast walnuts for brownies?
Toast the walnuts if you want a deeper, nuttier flavor. Just spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 6 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. Don’t forget to let them cool before mixing them into the batter.
You don’t have to bake an indulgent cake whenever you’re craving something sweet.
These brownies will do the trick, especially for weekday desserts or small get-togethers. You can make them ahead of time, too.
Just hold off on the frosting until you’re ready to serve, especially if you plan to freeze them.
Also, if you don’t feel like it, it’s totally okay to skip the frosting. These treats will still taste delicious without it!
The frosting just adds an extra layer of sweetness and softness, but the brownies are great either way.
Looking for more recipes? Explore these dishes and get creative with the presentations:
- New York Chopped Cheese Sandwich
- Keto Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Carrot Cake Smoothie
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Chocolate Walnut Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
Description
Chocolate lovers, meet your new favorite brownie. These chocolate walnut brownies are rich, fudgy, and filled with nutty goodness. Enjoy it for special occasions or any day of the week.
Ingredients
Brownie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons real vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sweetened ground cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
- Place the top oven rack in the center position and preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cream together the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and then mix until fully combined.
- Next, add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir gently and make sure not to overmix, or the brownies may turn out cakey.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The brownies will still be soft and will finish setting as they cool.
- Make the frosting while the brownies cool. Mix the butter, cocoa powder, and 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add the milk until the desired consistency is reached. If needed, add the remaining ½ cup of powdered sugar to thicken.
- Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the frosting on top. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 to 26 minutes
