Strawberry Brownies (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter.
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar.
03 - 2 large eggs.
04 - 1 tsp vanilla extract.
05 - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
06 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour.
07 - 1/4 tsp salt.
08 - 1/4 tsp baking powder.
09 - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
10 - 2 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil.
11 - Fresh strawberries, washed and dried.
12 - Sprinkles or crushed nuts (optional, for decoration).

Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
03 - Mix in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. The batter will be thick.
04 - Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
05 - Allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack.
06 - In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
07 - Dip the strawberries into the melted chocolate, covering about two-thirds of each berry. Let excess chocolate drip off.
08 - Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined tray. If desired, sprinkle with crushed nuts or sprinkles and let the chocolate set.
09 - Once the brownies have cooled, cut them into squares.
10 - Top each brownie square with a chocolate-dipped strawberry or serve the strawberries alongside.

Notes:

01 - Be sure the strawberries are completely dry before dipping them in chocolate to help the chocolate adhere better.
02 - For a more decadent presentation, sprinkle crushed nuts or sprinkles on the dipped strawberries before the chocolate sets.