
You know that moment when a regular brownie just won’t cut it, and you need something that screams “I’m fancy, I’m bold, and I might just be a little dangerous”? Enter Brownie Bourbon Bites—thick, chewy squares spiked with a generous pour of your favorite bourbon, studded with crunchy pecans, and finished with a hint of warming cinnamon. Ready to level up your brownie game? Let’s dive in!
Why Bourbon Makes Everything Better
Brownies are great, but have you ever wondered, “What if my fudgy center got a little liquid courage?” That’s where bourbon steps in. The oak-aged spirit adds depth and heat, transforming humble cocoa into a grown-up treat. Plus, pecans soak up that boozy goodness, creating the perfect contrast between soft interior and nutty crunch.
Bold Tip: Always choose a bourbon you’d sip straight—cheap swill won’t cut it here.
From Cookies to Blondies—My Boozy Journey
I’m a sucker for anything with bourbon and nuts. After mastering bourbon pecan chocolate chunk cookies and Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Blondies, I realized brownies deserved their moment in the spotlight. So I combined my go-to fudge brownie base with a glug of bourbon, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a heap of pecans. Bam—your new obsession was born.
Key Players: Chocolate, Cocoa, and Bourbon
Most brownie recipes pick either melted chocolate or cocoa powder, but not us. We use both to guarantee rich, fudgy depth. I’m all for Dutch-process cocoa—it gives that midnight-dark color and a smooth flavor. For the melted chocolate, go with a trusted bar (60–80% cacao) and ditch the chips—they can seize your batter.
Pro Tip: Lower your oven to 325°F and bake a bit longer for an even, crackly top.
Step-by-Step Bliss
- Prep & Mix: Whisk flour, salt, and a pinch of cinnamon. Separately, melt butter and dark chocolate, then stir in sugar, eggs, and bourbon.
- Combine: Gently fold dry into wet—stop mixing when you still see tiny streaks of flour. Overmixing = cakey brownies, and nobody wants that.
- Pecan Power: Stir in roughly chopped pecans for crunch.
- Bake: Pour into a reflective metal pan, middle rack, and bake 34–38 minutes until the center jiggles but sets around the edges.
- Cool: Let them rest two hours—patience is a virtue, and these babies firm up beautifully.
Beyond the Basic Brownie
Looking for more boozy twists? Toss in crispy bits for Bourbon Bacon Brownies, swirl in cheesecake batter for Bourbon Cheesecake Brownies, or sprinkle festive toppings for show-stopping Brownies Decorados—perfect for holiday parties. And for true bourbon aficionados, explore my full list of Bourbon Brownies Recipes on the blog.
Pecan Perfection
Pecans aren’t just garnish—they’re the essence of Pecan Brownies. They soak up bourbon, giving each bite a toasty, nutty undertone. Toast your pecans briefly on a dry skillet to enhance flavor before folding them in. Trust me, the result is next-level crunchy.
FYI, if you hate nuts, swap in chocolate chunks for a different texture vibe.
Don’t Skip the Cooling Phase
Here’s the hardest part: walking away. Let your pan of brownies cool fully—about two hours at room temperature. Cutting them too soon will leave you with a gooey mess, and while I’m all for a warm indulgence, you’ll lose those clean, irresistible squares. Think of it as the ultimate test of willpower.
Serving Suggestions
Want that just-melted warmth? Nuke a square for 10 seconds in the microwave. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with salted caramel. Hosting a crowd? Double up the recipe and bake in a 9×13 pan—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Wrapping Up the Boozy Bliss
Whether you call them Brownies With Bourbon or simply “my new favorite snack,” these bites marry deep chocolate, toasty pecans, and spirited bourbon into a dessert that’s anything but ordinary. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just because you deserve a treat that’s as daring as you are.
So grab that bourbon bottle, preheat the oven, and let’s bake something unforgettable. Cheers, and happy indulging! 🍷🧁
Print
Brownie Bourbon Bites: Pecan Brownies with Bourbon Twist
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 1pan (9×9)
Description
Get ready for an unforgettable treat—thick, fudgy brownies infused with a splash of bourbon, studded with toasty pecans, and finished with a crackly top. Perfect for celebrations or any time you crave something extraordinary!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (43 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ tsp fine salt
- 3.5 oz dark chocolate, chopped finely
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or melted coconut)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 Tbsp bourbon
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (106 g) packed dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (57 g) toasted pecans, coarsely chopped
- ¾ cup (128 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Pan & Oven
- Heat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Line a 9×9″ metal pan with parchment, letting two sides hang over the edges. Lightly coat with nonstick spray.
- Dry Mix
- Whisk together flour, cocoa, cinnamon (if using), and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Melt Chocolate Base
- In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate, butter, and oil.
- Microwave on low power in 15-second bursts, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Build the Batter
- Whisk in vanilla and bourbon.
- Stir in both sugars until blended.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine & Add Mix-Ins
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture until just incorporated.
- Using a spatula, fold in pecans and chocolate chips.
- Bake
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Optionally, press a few extra pecans onto the surface.
- Bake 34–36 minutes, until the edges are set and the top is glossy with slight cracks.
- Cool & Serve
- Place the pan on a wire rack and let cool completely (about 2 hours) before slicing.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt just before serving, if desired.
Notes
Notes & Variations
- Swap in vegetable or coconut oil if preferred.
- For extra melty chips, press additional chocolate chips onto the hot brownies as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze individual squares for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Inactive Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts