Katharine Hepburn Brownies
I was first introduced to the Katharine Hepburn brownie recipe in Dorie Greenspan’s Baking: From My Home to Yours. The book includes many brownie recipes, and this was one of them. I’ve since seen the recipe in dozens of places online, in books and magazines. This brownie recipe was originally shared in the New York Times, by one-time neighbors of Katharine Hepburn. When they brought her a batch of brownies, she said they had too much flour and were overbaked, then proceeded to share her family’s brownie recipe. The brownies don’t have a lot of height, but are supremely moist and chewy, quite fudge-like, and loaded with walnuts. My mom adores any and all baked goods with nuts, so with Mother’s Day approaching last week (and Katharine Hepburn’s birthday being yesterday), I thought it would be the perfect time to try out this much-anticipated recipe!
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As I suspected, my mom absolutely adored these brownies. She loved how many walnuts there were, although if you’re not a huge of nuts you could always cut the amount in half or leave them out altogether. You’ll still have a supremely moist and chewy brownie, complete with that thin, crackly crust that’s irresistible. If you happen to have some vanilla ice cream and hot fudge laying around, I urge you to make a brownie sundae. Brownie sundaes are always a good idea!
In honor of Katharine Hepburn’s birthday, treat yourself to some brownies this week… they’re a cinch to throw together and everyone knows you can never have too many brownie recipes. Plus, you’ll feel like a star! :)
One year ago: Colossal Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookies
Two years ago: Gazpacho
Three years ago: Classic Baby Shower Cookies
Four years ago: Easy Fudge
Six years ago: Dark Chocolate Chip Scones
Katharine Hepburn Brownies
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113.5 g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 2 ounces (56.7 g) unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (31.25 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon (0.25 teaspoon) salt
- 1 cup (117 g) chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper; set aside.
- Place the butter and chopped chocolate in a medium bowl set over a small saucepan of barely simmering water over low heat. Warm the chocolate and butter, stirring constantly, until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Whisk in the sugar, then whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour, salt and chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Place the pan on a wire rack and allow to cool completely before cutting into squares. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
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Never heard of these! But, hilarious that Katherine was so critical of the brownies gifted to her! :) My mom isn’t a fan of nuts in brownies, but I’ll take them!!
These look absolutely outrageous and dangerously easy! Love ’em!
I got this recipe from a magazine several years ago – can’t remember which one. It was included in an article about a new book from Liz Smith, the famous Hollywood gossip columnist. Along with the recipe were “Kate’s” three rules to live “1. Never quit 2. Be yourself and 3. Don’t put too much flour in your brownies.” Amen.
You are right – one can never have too many brownie recipes! And a brownie sundae is pretty much one of the best desserts of all time. This is also on my list.
What a classy treat! Any reason to celebrate, I’m all over it!
Oh yay!! I loved seeing David Leibowitz talk about and make these! They’ve been on my list. With a scoop of ice cream is a must :)
A nutty, chocolatey, gooey delicious brownie. I just can’t say no!
I’ve read so many great things about this recipe, they look perfectly fudgy!
You can never have too many brownie recipes! And these look incredible!
These look so fudgy and delicious!
These brownies look so fudgey and delicious! One of my all time favorite desserts is brownie a la mode. You just can’t beat it!
Brownies with nuts are ideal for me. Loving these.
I’ve heard of these and was always curious if they were any good! They look pretty amazing loaded with walnuts. My mom would totally love them too.
I’ve had this reciepie since I was a girl. My mom got it from a woman’s magazine. We both loved Katherine Hepburn and we both loved these brownies. Thanks for bringing back a memory of my Mom…
Brownies look amazing!
These look so fudgy & delicious!
I’m such a brownie fan! These sound delish!
That’s funny that you should post this now; I was just reading about Hepburn’s brownies last night in “The Secret Lives of Baked Goods,” which has a different story. Hepburn was asked by her neighbor to talk to his daughter, who was thinking of dropping out of Bryn Mawr, where Hepburn had attended. She invited them over for tea and brownies….and convinced the daughter to stay in school.
My parents named me after the fabulous Katharine Hepburn, so I can’t wait to make these. Thanks :)
Fudge-like brownies are the best kind! It’s like eating pure chocolate, and who can say no to that? Please if Katherine Hepburn liked them, they must be good, right?
These brownies look incredible!!! Love how there isn’t much flour so they are super chocolaty!
These look so crazy delicious!
I was so sure you spelled her name right…oh but no!!!!! I love a good fudgey brownie, can’t wait to try it :)
Love the pictures, looks fantastic! Will definitely put this one in my to do list!!!
This is too funny – the other day my mom was talking about her favourite chocolate cherry and walnut cake that her mom used to make for her birthday every year. The recipe is almost exactly the same as these brownies, just with more flour (and the obvious cherry addition)! I think this is the Universe telling me I need to make these :)
That wasn’t very gracious of Katherine to criticize gift brownies! JK, I’m sure she did so in a nice fashion, and these do indeed look delicious. I’m also a fan of this kind of brownie!
These looks so yummy, especially in that photo with the whip cream and cherry! I especially love fudge like brownies, going to give these a try!
I’ve read and heard about these and although I am not a fan of nuts in desserts I do love the flat, extra fudginess of the brownie base! With only 1/4 c flour for the whole batch, no doubt they’re super fudgy! The best!
That crust loost amazing!! I can’t believe I have never heard of these!!! I have to make them!
That thin, crackly crust is captured perfectly in your photos! I think this recipe will fit the bill for my chocolate cravings :)