In American cooking, a chocolate brownie, also known as a Boston brownie or simply just brownie, is a small, rich, chocolate cake, named after its rich brown color. It is often covered with fudge and may contain nuts. The first known mention of a brownie is believed to be in the 1897 Sears and Roebuck catalog.

Brownies are believed to have been discovered by accident, by a careless cook intending to make a chocolate cake, but forgetting to use a raising agent such as baking powder. There are many different recipes for brownies, and simple versions often serve as an introduction to baking.

Brownies are often served hot with ice cream and sometimes whipped cream, especially as desserts in restaurants. The popularity of the all-American brownie has grown, and they can now be found in many bakeries in Europe, including France.

"Blondies" are brownies made with white chocolate and brown sugar.

See also

• Magic brownie (the variety which includes marijuana)

External links

• Brownie recipe With lots of pictures and step-by-step instructions