Some days, life is just... a lot. You know the kind of day I’m talking about—the kind where you need a hug, but no one’s around, so you turn to your favorite comfort food? THAT'S where these brownies come in. They’re rich, fudgy, and comforting in all the ways you need when the world feels a little too loud.

And they come with a little twist from KIVA, because everything's better with KIVA ;)

Let’s bake!

Ingredients:

  1. 4 tbsp browned butter — it’s like regular butter, but with more soul.
  2. 1/2 cup chocolate — go dark; life’s already sweet enough.
  3. 1/4 cup KIVA chocolate, chopped — for that little extra layer of quiet comfort.
  4. This will use 1 full Kiva 100 mg bar
  5. 1 large egg — it holds everything together, just like you.
  6. 1/4 cup all-purpose flour — simple, nothing fancy, and that’s okay.
  7. 1/2 cup granulated sugar — sometimes we need a little sweetness.
  8. 1 tsp heavy cream — because richness matters.
  9. 1/4 tsp vanilla extract — a whisper of warmth.

Instructions for Brownie Therapy:

1. Let's Melt

In a small pan, brown the butter until it smells nutty and golden. Pour it over your chocolate in a heatproof bowl and stir until smooth. Watch it melt together. It’s strangely therapeutic.

2. Whisk It Together

In another bowl, whisk the egg and sugar until it’s light and airy. You’ll feel like you’re creating something good. Because you are.

3. Combine the Chaos

Gently stir the melted chocolate into the egg mixture. Pour it in slow. Let the ingredients meet, like two kindred spirits finding each other.

4. Add the Little Extras

Mix in a splash of heavy cream and vanilla extract. These tiny details matter, even if they seem small.

5. Fold and Breathe

Fold in the flour gently, then sprinkle in those chunks of KIVA chocolate. Each piece is a reminder that sometimes, life’s surprises are good.

6. Bake It Out

Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 8x8-inch pan. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for edges that hold steady while the center stays just soft enough to feel indulgent.

Treat Yourself

Let the brownies cool for about 10 minutes - this will be too hot to eat immediately, and you’re not going to be able to stop yourself. Pair with ice cream and maybe even melt some additional KIVA chocolate on top. If these brownies bring even the tiniest flicker of comfort, then they’ve done their job :)