Guinness Brownies

Happy St. Patty's Day!! I'm usually not one to make a big fuss over St. Patrick's day, but I was waiting to have an excuse to whip up something full of Guinness and chocolate. I originally had cupcakes in mind, but it's spring break and I wanted something easy (I don't think mother nature got the memo, it's definitely 30 degrees outside).

These brownies are very rich, chewy, super chocolatey, and have hints of Guinness to finish things out. They're truly decadent, and worthy of any St. Patrick's day celebration. Enjoy!

P.S. Looking to whip up something a little less sweet for the holiday? Try this Irish Brown Bread recipe!

Guinness Brownies

Ingredients

Cooking spray

1 cup flour

1/2 cup dark cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate (or semi-sweet chocolate chips)

6 tablespoons butter, cut into cubes

3/4 cup white sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

4 eggs

1 1/4 cup Irish stout beer (Guinness!!), room temperature and foam skimmed off

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Place oven rack in the center position. Preheat to 350F. Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Whisk flour, cocoa powder, and salt together in a small bowl.

Melt bittersweet chocolate and butter in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir frequently, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Remove from heat.

Beat sugars and eggs together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Slowly add melted chocolate mixture and beat until just combined. Add flour mixture, 2-3 tablespoons at a time, until just combined. Whisk in beer until batter is thin; fold in nuts. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and sprinkle with chocolate chips.

Bake in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center of the brownies comes out with moist crumbs, 25-30 minutes. Cool to room temperature.

Recipe source: adapted from All Recipes