Next, mix in the vanilla extract and Baileys Irish Cream, stirring until combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. I usually find that folding the dry ingredients in with a rubber spatula helps maintain the brownies’ fudgy texture. Once it’s well combined, fold in the chocolate chips for that extra dose of decadence.
Once your batter is ready, pour it into the greased baking pan and spread it evenly to the edges. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. I’ve learned that every oven is different, so start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs—not completely clean, since we want that fudgy consistency! Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
Lastly, allow me to suggest that you top these brownies with a drizzle of additional Baileys to really take them over the top, but that’s completely optional. Either way, you’ll find they satisfy that sweet tooth like nothing else!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways: baking at different temperatures, varying the baking time, and playing around with different types of chocolate chips. My favorite was to mix dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips; the contrast in flavors made the brownies even more delightful. Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings, like a sprinkle of sea salt when they come out of the oven.
Another tip I can’t stress enough is to let the brownies cool completely in the pan. I know it’s tempting to cut into them while they’re warm, but allowing them to set will give you that perfect fudgy texture. Trust me; patience truly pays off in brownie land!
Lastly, consider adding a splash of extra Baileys into the batter for a more pronounced flavor. I found that it enhances the richness and adds a lovely moistness to the brownies. Just be mindful not to add too much liquid or it affects the consistency!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I’ve made (and I see others do as well) is overmixing the batter. It’s an easy pitfall when you’re excited to see everything come together, but overmixing can lead to denser brownies, which isn’t what we want. Just mix gently until combined, and you’ll be golden. (See the next page below to continue…)