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Homemade toffee brownies by the window

Homemade Toffee Brownies with Chocolate Chips

Rich homemade chocolate brownies with a crackly top, a fudgy centre, and buttery toffee pieces. Made by hand with cocoa powder and chocolate chips.

Ingredients
  

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter 71g
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar 150g
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed (100g)
  • 2 large eggs cold
  • 1 large egg yolk cold
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil 74g
  • 3/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder 75g
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 63g
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips divided (128g)
  • 1 cup toffee bits divided (170g)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (approximately 163°C). Line an 8 × 8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides so you can lift out the cooled brownies.
  2. Place the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between each burst, until melted. Whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, breaking up any lumps. Let the mixture cool until just warm.
  3. Add the two whole eggs, the extra egg yolk, and the vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds until combined.
  4. Whisk in the vegetable oil, followed by the cocoa powder. Mix until no dry cocoa pockets remain, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
  5. Add the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture. Stop once no dry flour remains.
  6. Reserve a small handful each of chocolate chips and toffee bits for the topping. Fold the remaining chips and toffee into the batter until evenly distributed.
  7. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Spread it into the corners and smooth the top into an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips and toffee bits over the surface.
  8. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, until the surface is set and a toothpick inserted near the centre comes out with moist crumbs rather than wet batter. If needed, bake a little longer and check again. If the tester hits a melted chocolate chip, test another nearby spot.
  9. Place the pan on a wire rack and let the brownies cool completely. Lift them out using the parchment overhang, transfer to a cutting board, and cut into 16 squares. Wipe the knife between cuts for neater edges.

Notes

Cooling time is additional to the 40-minute preparation and baking time.
Use small hard toffee candy pieces, not soft caramel sweets.
The chocolate chips and toffee reserved for the topping come from the listed ingredient quantities; no extra is required.
Avoid overmixing after adding the flour. Fold only until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
Do not wait for a completely dry toothpick. Moist crumbs indicate a fudgy brownie; wet batter means it needs more baking.
Cool completely before slicing so the centre has time to firm up.
Store cooled brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator.