There are a lot of horrible things surrounding Elizabeth Zott—the protagonist in Bonnie Garmus' debut novel (a BookTok hit) Lessons in Chemistry and the lead in Apple TV+'s adaptation series of the same name—that most women can relate to. Like being talked over during meetings, not being taken seriously as a professional, and having ideas outright stolen from male colleagues. All brought to life by the Lessons in Chemistry cast.
But if there's one positive kinship we all share with this fictional feminist icon, it's the need for chewy, warm brownies after a long day. If you've watched the Lessons in Chemistry trailer, you've seen that Brie Larson's Zott is a serious chemist with some serious culinary skills, so we're anxious to see certain recipes make their onscreen debut.
Elizabeth Zott's infamous brownies that she makes during a particularly page-turning episode of her TV cooking show Supper at Six, were a hit among her fictional fans. Thankfully, Rebecca Selman of the blog From Page to Plate took it upon herself to recreate the recipe, as Zott describes it in the book. Called "Scientifically Perfect Chocolate Brownies," it involves precise measurements (like 175 grams of unsalted butter) and a specific cooking method to achieve the perfect gooey texture.
Every fan should try their hand at making these brownies, but why stop there? If you want your desserts to involve a little less chemistry and a lot more chocolate, we've rounded up 10 other delicious brownie variations that even Zott would approve of.
Classic Brownies
Credit: Love & Lemons
When you want a simple, straightforward brownie without any unnecessary extras that steal the show, this recipe from Love & Lemons is for you. They're easy to make and perfect for a quick fix. Pair it with a tall glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a big glass of red.
Lunch Lady Brownies
Credit: Life in the Lofthouse
Remember those moist, chocolatey brownies they served in the school cafeteria? Life in the Lofthouse sure does, and their fudgey and chocolate-frosted recipe will transport you right back to your childhood lunchroom days. Only this time, you can skip the scoop of mashed potatoes and eat as many as you want without getting in trouble.
Espresso Brownies
Credit: Cambrea Bakes
For all the coffee lovers out there, you'll want to try these espresso brownies from Cambrea Bakes ASAP. They combine rich dark cocoa powder with a strong kick of espresso for a taste that's truly tantalizing. It may only be a pinch of espresso powder, but the deliciousness could be enough to replace your afternoon cafe pick-me-up.
Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies
Credit: Celebrating Sweets
Mixing your favorite desserts is an experiment Elizabeth Zott can definitely get behind. And what better combination than brownies and cheesecake? Celebrating Sweets' recipe is decadent, rich, and perfect for when you just can't decide between the two classics. The mixture of fudge and tangy cream cheese is so yummy you just might eat the whole batch.
Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Credit: Stephanie's Sweet Treats
Brownies don't often get credit for being an elegant piece on the dessert table. But this roasted cherry-infused rendition from Stephanie's Sweet Treats will have you looking like a master pastry chef. And while they may look like a pain to bake, they're practically just as quick to throw together as any other brownie recipe.
Shortbread Brownies
Credit: Curly Girl Kitchen
This one's a triple whammy for those who love brownies, cookies, and ganache. The recipe from Curly Girl Kitchen calls for a layer of shortbread crust on the bottom, a gooey brownie middle, and a topper of creamy chocolate ganache. The three-layer design may look impressive upon serving, but it's not much more difficult than your standard boxed brownie.
Brookies
Credit: Preppy Kitchen
Another deliciously deadly dessert combo? Brownies and cookies. Also lovingly known amongst baking circles as "brookies," these experimental treats are starting to be a bakery staple. Preppy Kitchen has a recipe that includes a layer of chocolate chip cookie dough on top of the fudgey brownie base. It's a winning combination that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Oreo Brookies
Credit: Cambrea Bakes
Now that we have your attention with brookies, get ready for the ultimate brownie-cookie duo. Cambrea Bakes has a recipe that takes it to the next level by adding Oreo chunks to the chocolate chip cookie layer. If you've never tried Oreos in your brownie mix before, be prepared for a mind-blowing experience that will have you eating every last bite.
Pumpkin Brownies
Credit: Mom on Timeout
Pumpkin spice may be overhyped, but who said we have to leave it off of the dessert table? These pumpkin brownies from Mom On Timeout are moist, spiced, and pair wonderfully with a thick layer of homemade cream cheese frosting. They might give pumpkin pie a run for its money as your new favorite fall dessert.
S'mores Brownies
Credit: Buttermilk by Sam
Last but certainly not least, we have a brownie recipe that will bring back all the summer campfire nostalgia. Buttermilk by Sam shares their take on s'mores brownies, complete with a graham cracker crust and toasted vanilla bean marshmallow topping. It's like a bonfire and a dessert—all in one delicious bite.
