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Crispy Cranberry Orange Thanksgiving Brownies

Crispy Cranberry Orange Thanksgiving Brownies - featured image
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These crispy-edged, fudgy-centered brownies feature a classic holiday combination of tart dried cranberries and bright orange zest. They are easy to make, perfect for Thanksgiving, and deliver a gourmet flavor profile with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips (semi-sweet or bittersweet)
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
  • Zest of 2 medium fresh oranges
  • 1 teaspoon orange extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
  2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the melted butter and dark chocolate chips. Stir constantly until smooth (3-5 minutes). Remove from heat.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and eggs vigorously for about 2 minutes until pale and slightly thickened.
  4. Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Whisk until fully combined. Add the orange zest and orange extract; stir to distribute.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sprinkle dry ingredients over the wet mixture and gently fold in with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the dried cranberries, reserving a small handful for topping if desired.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Edges should be set and pulling away from sides; center should look slightly underbaked.
  8. Let brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
  9. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overbake; brownies continue to cook in the residual heat of the pan. Whisking the eggs and sugar vigorously is crucial for creating the signature crispy, crackly top. Use room temperature eggs to prevent the chocolate from seizing. For a gluten-free option, substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving brownies, cranberry orange dessert, crispy brownies, holiday baking, easy brownie recipe, chocolate cranberry treats

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