It is starting to get a little sunnier here this week and it is making me smile. I am so ready for the warm weather and the sunny afternoons. I can’t wait to dress up my sweet little girls in cute skirts and dresses of bright colors and play outside. We are looking forward to lots of fun in the sun this spring and summer. Can’t wait!
While we wait for those fun summer days, we will pass the time eating some chocolate treats. Chocolate is one of those simple things that always makes me smile! Before I had my girls I liked chocolate, but I wouldn’t say that I craved it or loved it. That all changed when I was pregnant with my older daughter. The number one thing I craved when I was pregnant with her was chocolate chip cookies. They are still probably one of my favorite things on the planet to eat (as you may have noticed they are the thing I chose to be in my logo 
), but when I was pregnant with her, I wanted them EVERY day! Since then, I have been madly in love with chocolate in every form and the darker the better.
I also have a passion for brownies, so when I came across this recipe I had to make them, like now! This recipe is super quick and easy to make. First of all, it is made in one saucepan, so no need to dirty a bunch of dishes or a mixer. Any time there are fewer dishes it’s a good thing in this mommy’s book. The flavors in these brownies are fantastic and it is a true testament that a little orange zest can go a long way. This recipe is very easily adaptable, like if you don’t like orange, it is easy to leave out, and say you like nuts you could always add them. I think it is a wonderful go to quick and simple brownie recipe for everyday use. Hope it makes your life simple too!
Mocha-Orange Brownies Printer Friendly Version2/3 cup butter
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon espresso powder
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate
1 teaspoon orange zest
powedered sugar (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8x8x2 inch baking pan and set aside.
In a medium saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Stir in cocoa powder and espresso powder. Remove from heat. Stir in granulated sugar. Stir in eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla. Beat lightly by hand just until combined. Stir in the flour, the chopped chocolate and the orange zest.
Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Cool in a pan on wire reack. If desired, sift powdered sugar over the top of the brownies.
Adapted from: Better Homes and Gardens Ultimate Cookies & Bars 2010 Magazine
Although I am not a big fan of chocolate, I love it when it’s matched with orange. I think it’s a winning combination of flavors and these brownies look so yummy and so easy to make that I can’t resist
You can’t go wrong with chocolate, coffee and orange!
Chocolate and orange is a great combo – and I really love the coffee. This sounds super-easy, great job!
Those look so soft and amazing, and i love the combination! Orange and chocolate sounds amazing
Mmmm, those look so good! Almost like fudge! I’d love for you to submit this to the M&T Spotlight at http://www.makeandtakes.com/spotlight
[...] we are again, right up at the end of the month and no recipe posted! Panic! Then these brownies caught my eye; mm chocolate and orange, and with the added attraction of not requiring a shopping [...]
Looks like a great recipe! One question — did you use natural cocoa or Dutch processed cocoa? (Natural is regular cocoa and usually a lighter brown than dutched cocoa.)
For this recipe I used the natural cocoa powder, mostly because the recipe called for unsweetend and the only Dutch processed cocoa I have in the house is sweetend, however I think it would be fine to use either.
WOW!!! i can taste those brownies just by looking at the pictures!!!!
yum!
Congrats on the Foodbuzz top 9!!! Chocolate is my weakness, I love your brownies. Bookmarking your recipe, thanks for sharing.
These look SO good, and I love the combination. A MUST-TRY for sure. Congrats on the Top 9!
I love the orange and chocolate mix….these sound wonderful. I have a craving now.
Those look incredible! Congrats on the Top 9!
I love brownies with orange! I have a version with an orange Grand Marnier frosting that I could sit down and eat the whole pan of. Unfortunately… that is doing a number on my swim suit figure. Hmmm… brownies?? swim suit?? Brownies!!!
Thanks Kim, you made me giggle!
I have to agree with Kim. This is one recipe which isn’t going to help me fit in my swim suit, but sacrifices have to be made. Plus, it’s an excellent source of Vitamin C, right? Yeah, I think this is the perfect way to get my daily dose.
Great flavors! And I love that you can make them in one pan!
You had me at one pan. This is a must try and I love the flavors.
Guys! I wanna thank you for posting this brownie recipe here. This really is an answer to my prayer. I’m the one assigned to be in charge with the food committee. Thank you! Now, I already have an idea. Orange-mocha brownie is such a goodie for food.
Those look great! I also saw this today and with your brownies and cookie brownies, they might be up your alley: http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/recipes/_4-healthier-brownie-recipes-thatll-disappear-minutes
Oh my! My mouth is watering! xo, shannon