Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownie Bites

• •0.5 cup unsalted butter, cubed
• •4 oz semi-sweet dark chocolate (60-70%), finely chopped
• •0.5 cup granulated sugar
• •0.3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• •2 large eggs, at room temperature
• •1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• •0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• •0.3 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
• •0.3 teaspoon fine sea salt
• •0.5 cup mini salted pretzel twists, lightly crushed
• •0.3 cup thick salted caramel sauce, slightly warmed
• •0.5 teaspoon flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

2. 2

   In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water (or in short 20-second microwave bursts), melt the butter and chopped chocolate together, stirring until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and cool for 3 minutes.

3. 3

   Whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, whisking vigorously for about 1 minute until the batter looks glossy and slightly thickened.

4. 4

   Sift the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and fine sea salt directly into the bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients in with a silicone spatula just until no dry pockets remain. Do not overmix.

5. 5

   Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist, fudgy crumbs (not wet batter).

6. 6

   Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up for clean slicing.

7. 7

   Lift the brownie slab out using the parchment overhang and place onto a cutting board. Slice into 16 neat, bite-sized squares.

8. 8

   Arrange the brownie bites on a serving platter. Press crushed pretzel pieces gently into the top of each bite, generously drizzle with warm caramel sauce, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt just before serving.

Chef's Tips

• 💡Chill the baked brownies thoroughly before cutting to achieve sharp, professional bite-sized squares without crumbling.
• 💡Add the pretzels and caramel shortly before serving to ensure the pretzels stay distinctively crisp and crunchy.
• 💡Wipe your chef's knife with a warm, damp cloth between each slice to keep the edges clean and uniform.