Chocolate Pistachio Brownie Squares

Name: Chocolate Pistachio Brownie Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 squares
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, browned; 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup chopped pistachios

Highlighted under: Modern Baking Ideas

I absolutely love indulging in these Chocolate Pistachio Brownie Squares! The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy pistachios is simply divine. Every bite is a delightful surprise of textures and flavors that dance on my palate. I often find myself craving these decadent treats during the colder months, when they're perfect for cozy gatherings with friends and family. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, I can whip up a batch that is sure to impress anyone who takes a taste.

Created by

Dorothy Finch

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:37:34.339Z

When I first experimented with these Chocolate Pistachio Brownie Squares, I wasn't sure how the flavors would meld. The nuts add a great crunch that perfectly balances the fudgy chocolate. I decided to brown the butter before mixing it into the batter, which added a rich, nutty flavor that elevated the brownies to a new height.

What really made these squares stand out was using high-quality chocolate. I found that the depth of flavor was unmatched when using chocolate with at least 70% cacao. This method not only resulted in moist squares but also in a decadent treat that my friends keep requesting for gatherings!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        The perfect combination of fudgy brownie and crunchy pistachios
Rich chocolate flavor enhanced by browned butter
Quick and easy to make, perfect for unexpected guests

      

Mastering the Browned Butter

Browned butter is a game-changer for these brownie squares, adding a nutty richness that enhances the chocolate flavor. To achieve the perfect browned butter, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat in a light-colored saucepan. Keep an eye on it and stir frequently to prevent burning. You'll want to cook it until it turns a golden amber color and emits a delightful, toasty aroma. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes, but be cautious as it can go from browned to burnt quickly.

It's essential to let the browned butter cool slightly before mixing it with the sugar. If it's too hot, it can cook the eggs when added, resulting in a curdled texture. Ideally, wait until it's warm to the touch, around 100°F (37°C), before incorporating it into the other wet ingredients. This temperature will also help in creating a smoother batter without any graininess.

Texture Matters

The balance between fudginess and crunchiness is key to the success of these brownie squares. To ensure your brownies turn out perfectly fudgy, avoid overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Stir just until no flour is visible; doing otherwise can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher brownies. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.

Using semi-sweet chocolate chips not only intensifies the chocolate flavor but also contributes to the texture. As the brownies bake, the chips melt slightly, providing pockets of rich chocolate that contrast beautifully with the crunchy pistachios. I recommend using high-quality chocolate chips for the best results; they make a noticeable difference in flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious brownies:

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, browned
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pistachios

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the delicious step of creating the brownie batter!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake your Chocolate Pistachio Brownie Squares:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the browned butter and sugar, whisking until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pistachios.

Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cool, cut into squares and enjoy!

Once baked and cooled, these brownies will surely impress everyone!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try mixing in a tablespoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate or substitute some chopped dark chocolate for the chocolate chips for even richer brownies.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

For optimal freshness, store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should keep well for about 4-5 days. If you want to extend their life, consider freezing them. Simply cut the brownies into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and freeze in a sealed bag for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy warm.

These brownie squares are delicious on their own, but they can also be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a truly indulgent dessert. You could even pair them with fresh berries to balance the richness. For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty contrast!

Variations to Try

While the chocolate-pistachio combination is wonderfully satisfying, feel free to get creative with your mix-ins! Try substituting walnuts or almonds for a different nut flavor and texture. If you're in the mood for something fruity, consider adding dried cranberries or cherries to the mix for a burst of tartness that complements the sweet chocolate.

Additionally, these brownies can be made gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just ensure that your chocolate chips are also gluten-free, as some brands may contain traces of gluten.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for a week.

→ Can I use another type of nut?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap pistachios with walnuts, pecans, or almonds based on your preference.

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.