Gooey Brownies with Shortbread Crust

Recipe View Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). (5 minutes)

Recipe View In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour and white sugar. Cut in softened butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking pan. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the crust is firm and lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. (15 minutes)

Recipe View In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until well combined and smooth. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Stir in the chopped milk chocolate and chopped walnuts (if using). (2 minutes)

Recipe View Spread the brownie batter evenly over the cooled shortbread crust. (3 minutes)

Recipe View Bake for 20-25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the brownies begin to pull away slightly from the edges and the top appears set but still slightly moist. (25 minutes)

Recipe View Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. For cleaner cuts, chill the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing. (30 minutes)