National Brownie Day is celebrated every year on December 8th, honoring one of the most beloved treats around: rich, fudgy, chocolatey brownies.
History of National Brownie Day
Brownies are widely believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century, though their exact origin story is debated. One popular legend credits the brownie’s creation to a Chicago socialite named Bertha Palmer, who reportedly asked a chef at the Palmer House Hotel to create a dessert for a ladies’ luncheon that would be smaller than a cake slice and easy to eat without utensils. Another common story suggests brownies were the result of a baker accidentally forgetting to add baking powder to a chocolate cake recipe, resulting in a dense, fudgy result that became a happy accident turned classic.
Regardless of its exact origin, the brownie recipe spread quickly through American cookbooks in the early 20th century, becoming a beloved staple of home baking. Over the decades, countless variations have emerged, from fudgy to cakey textures, with endless mix-in options like nuts, caramel, and chocolate chips.
How to Celebrate National Brownie Day
- Bake a batch of brownies from scratch (recipe below)
- Try a new brownie variation or mix-in you haven’t made before
- Visit a local bakery known for great brownies
- Debate the age-old fudgy versus cakey brownie preference with friends
- Share your brownie creation on social media using #NationalBrownieDay
Simple Fudgy Brownie Recipe
Ingredients (makes about 16 brownies):
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt butter, then whisk in sugar until combined.
- Whisk in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, stirring until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
- Let cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Fun Facts About Brownies
- One popular legend credits Bertha Palmer, a Chicago socialite, with requesting the creation of the first brownie in the late 1800s.
- Brownies are generally categorized as either fudgy or cakey, with the ratio of fat to flour largely determining the final texture.
- Overmixing brownie batter can develop too much gluten, resulting in a tougher, more cake-like texture even in recipes intended to be fudgy.
- Boxed brownie mixes became widely popular in American households starting in the mid-20th century, offering a convenient alternative to baking from scratch.
- Brownies are one of the most customizable desserts, with popular mix-ins including nuts, caramel, mint, and peanut butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Brownie Day?
National Brownie Day is celebrated annually on December 8th.
What makes a brownie fudgy versus cakey?
Fudgy brownies typically have a higher ratio of fat and sugar to flour, while cakey brownies contain more flour and often more leavening, resulting in a lighter, more cake-like texture.
Why shouldn’t I overmix brownie batter?
Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can result in a tougher, more cake-like texture even if you’re aiming for a dense, fudgy brownie.