Easy Pine Cone Brownies Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup whole almonds
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave in 30-second increments until fully melted.
3. In a large bowl for mixing, mix together the granulated sugar and melted butter until well combined.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder into the wet ingredients. Gently fold until just combined.
6. Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
8. Arrange the whole almonds in rows on top of the brownie batter, starting from one end of the pan and working towards the other end, slightly pressing them into the batter to resemble pine cones.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it.
10. Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
11. Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer them to a cutting board.
12. Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into squares or rectangles, making sure to cut around the almonds to maintain the pine cone shape.
13. Dust the tops of the brownies lightly with powdered sugar to resemble snow.
14. Serve the pine cone brownies on a festive platter and enjoy!

Cooking time: 25-30 minutes

Tips:

Feel free to get creative with the decoration by adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cocoa powder on top of the brownies for an extra wintry touch. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled brownies for added indulgence.

These Pine Cone Brownies are not only delicious but also fun to make and decorate, making them the perfect treat for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings at home. Enjoy the rich chocolatey flavor and festive presentation!