Katharine Hepburn’s Brownies Recipe
Introduction
Katharine Hepburn’s Brownies offer a rich, fudgy chocolate experience with a delightful crunch from nuts. These classic brownies are easy to make and perfect for any chocolate lover craving a gooey treat.

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup chopped or broken-up walnuts or pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 2: Melt butter in a saucepan with cocoa, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a large bowl. Whisk in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine sugar, flour, nuts, and salt. Add this mixture to the cocoa-butter bowl and stir until just combined.
- Step 4: Pour batter into a greased 8 x 8-inch square pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Avoid overbaking to keep the brownies gooey. Let cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Variations
- For extra gooey brownies, check doneness at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs attached.
- Swap walnuts or pecans for chocolate chips or leave out nuts for a nut-free version.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
Storage
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave or enjoy at room temperature.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different size pan?
You can use a similar-sized pan close to 8 x 8 inches. A slightly larger pan will make thinner brownies that bake faster; adjust baking time accordingly.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
They are done when the edges look set but the center is still slightly gooey. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
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Katharine Hepburn’s Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies (cut into 2x2 inch squares) 1x
Description
Katharine Hepburn’s Brownies are a rich and fudgy classic brownie recipe featuring a smooth cocoa-butter base mixed with crunchy walnuts or pecans. These brownies bake at a low temperature to achieve a gooey, moist texture, making them an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped or broken-up walnuts or pecans
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the brownies.
- Melt Butter and Cocoa: In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Transfer the cooled cocoa-butter mixture to a large bowl. Whisk in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, chopped nuts, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Add the dry ingredients to the cocoa mixture and gently stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
- Prepare Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 8 x 8-inch square baking pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, taking care not to overbake so the brownies remain gooey in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars for serving.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or pecans or substitute with chocolate chips.
- Do not overbake; brownies should be moist and fudgy, not dry.
- Make sure the cocoa and butter mixture is not too hot before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
- Use chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Storing brownies in an airtight container keeps them fresh for several days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Katharine Hepburn brownies, classic brownies, fudgy brownies, walnut brownies, cocoa brownies, easy brownie recipe, homemade brownies

