Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Brownies (Printable)

Fudgy chocolate squares studded with pistachios and hints of cardamom, topped with a touch of sea salt.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 7 ounces dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), chopped
07 - 2/3 cup unsalted butter, cubed
08 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
09 - 3 large eggs
10 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
11 - 2 tablespoons rose water (optional)

→ Add-ins and Topping

12 - 3/4 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
13 - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
14 - Flaky sea salt, for garnish

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch (22x22 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, cardamom, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Set aside.
03 - Combine the chopped chocolate and cubed butter in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler), stirring until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
04 - Add the granulated sugar to the melted chocolate mixture, whisking until fully incorporated. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and rose water if using.
05 - Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing for optimal texture.
06 - Fold in 1/2 cup chopped pistachios and chocolate chips or chunks if desired.
07 - Pour batter into prepared pan, leveling the surface. Sprinkle remaining pistachios evenly over the top.
08 - Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake.
09 - Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before slicing into squares.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Uses only one bowl for wet ingredients so the cleanup is fast
  • Infused with cardamom and pistachio for a surprising depth of flavor
  • Perfect balance of chewy and fudgy texture every bite melts in your mouth
  • Can be dressed up with rose water or left classic for a crowd pleaser
  • Sprinkled with flaky sea salt makes every square feel gourmet
02 -
  • High in chocolate antioxidants thanks to dark chocolate
  • Nutty and aromatic flavor profile inspired by classic Middle Eastern desserts
  • Freezes beautifully so you can enjoy anytime
03 -
  • Do not skip letting the melted chocolate and butter cool before adding eggs or the batter may split
  • Always use parchment paper with an overhang for easier lifting and clean slices
  • Toast your pistachios in a dry pan for a minute if they taste raw it makes a bigger difference than you would think in the final flavor

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