Boston brownies are a delightful American dessert that has been enjoyed for over a century. These classic chocolate treats are known for their chewy texture, rich flavour, and slightly crispy edges, making them a favourite for chocolate lovers everywhere. Originating from Boston, Massachusetts, this dessert has a unique backstory that adds to its charm.
The story of brownies goes back to the late 19th century when American bakers began experimenting with chocolate in new ways. Around this time, a popular Boston-based cookbook called the Boston Cooking School Cookbook included a recipe that closely resembles what we now call brownies. Although different from today’s gooey and fudgy brownies, it’s considered a key influence on the dessert as we know it. Early versions were often more cake-like and less sweet than modern brownies, but they still had the unmistakable chocolate flavour.
One unique feature of Boston brownies is that, unlike many other desserts, they don’t use a traditional leavening agent like baking powder or yeast. This omission keeps them denser, which gives brownies their chewy, thick texture. The main ingredients include chocolate, sugar, butter, and eggs, all combined to create a dense, satisfying square that perfectly balances a soft interior with a slightly crisp top.
As the dessert gained popularity, variations appeared, and now, many Boston brownie recipes incorporate other ingredients such as nuts, chocolate chips, or even caramel swirls. These additions have added depth to the flavour and texture, but the original Boston brownie remains a classic for those who enjoy a pure chocolate experience.
Boston brownies are beloved for their versatility as well. They’re easy to take on the go, making them a popular choice for picnics, parties, and lunchboxes. Often served as a sweet finish to a meal, brownies can also be paired with ice cream for a simple but indulgent dessert. They’re easy to store and keep well, meaning they can be baked in batches and enjoyed over a few days.
Overall, Boston brownies are a delicious dessert with a timeless appeal. Their simple ingredients, ease of preparation, and rich, chocolatey taste make them a go-to treat in households across the United States and beyond. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or cooled to room temperature, Boston brownies are sure to satisfy any chocolate craving.
While this recipe makes 12 large brownies, I often slice mine into 24 making them perfect nibble size.
Beautiful Boston Brownies
Boston brownies are a classic American dessert known for their dense, chewy texture and rich chocolate flavour. This simple recipe creates a perfectly fudgy treat that’s great for sharing.
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Servings: 12 Brownies
Calories: 172kcal
Ingredients
- 115 g unsalted butter melted
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs free range
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 40 g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 60 g all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder optional for a slightly lighter texture
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a square 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Stir until well mixed.115 g unsalted butter, 200 g granulated sugar
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt and baking powder (if using).40 g unsweetened cocoa powder, 60 g all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be thick and glossy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing into 12 squares.
Nutrition
Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 71mg | Potassium: 71mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 284IU | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
15 comments
The addition of vanilla takes these to a new level. Thanks
I loved how simple this recipe was
These brownies reminded me of the ones my grandmother used to make. They’re dense, chocolatey, and not overly sweet.
I loved how dense and moist they were. Paired mine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—absolute heaven.
They had just the right amount of chewiness with a slightly crisp top. The rich chocolate flavour really came through, and they were so easy to make.
The brownies were dense and fudgy, just as promised, and my kids couldn’t stop eating them.
They stayed soft even after a couple of days, and the taste just kept getting better. Simple and delicious
These Boston brownies hit the spot! They have an intense chocolate taste that’s balanced by the perfect amount of sweetness. The texture is lovely, especially with the crispy top.
The recipe is simple and doesn’t call for anything fancy, so it’s great for when I want a quick dessert.
If you love chocolate, these brownies are a dream come true. The flavour is deep and rich without being too sweet.
I’m not the best baker, but this recipe was so easy to follow. My brownies came out perfectly chewy with a nice crust on top.
I’ve tried a lot of brownie recipes, and this one is a keeper. The texture is thick and fudgy, not cakey at all, which is exactly what I wanted.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for an easy and reliable brownie recipe.
These Boston brownies turned out fantastic
They were ready in no time, and I didn’t even need to add any extras. Simple ingredients, fantastic results