Holidays have a way of sneaking up on a girl. July 4th, here you come!
On my list of favorite low-maintenance holidays, July 4th is up there. I eat my annual nitrate-free hot dog (once a year is just enough, really), drink a cocktail, and whip up some brownies. It’s the perfect meal!
I’ll never argue with a brownie in any form, but they’re at their best when giant chocolate chunks are nestled within. Oh, and when there’s a nice thick layer of glaze on top with sprinkles. Patriotic sprinkle bling, no less!
![Patriotic Chocolate Chunk Brownies](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/patbrown1.jpg)
When I was a kid living in Indianapolis, we used to go to a living history museum called Conner Prairie on the 4th. It was a fun place, full of people pretending to be from days gone by in their houses without air conditioning. Even as a kid, I was pretty sure they had it rough in terms of work conditions. But to their credit, the actors seemed to enjoy themselves, never breaking character.
![Patriotic Chocolate Chunk Brownies](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/patbrown4-e1466509366774.jpg)
On Independence Day, the Indianapolis Symphony would play on a large field until sunset, at which point fireworks would go off. We’d be on our picnic blanket, eating Pringles and enjoying the show and feeling oh so veryย summer. Those warm, crowded nights full of music and laughter are such a happy memory now.
In DC, we don’t go to the National Mall for what is known as the Capitol Fourth. It’s a crazy mob scene and it’s just not worth the hassle. We’re talking hundreds of thousands of people jammed into small spaces to see the big show, and I don’t like crowds of that nature. Getting downtown is rough whether you take a Metro train or drive, so the upshot is that I watch it all on TV instead.
![Patriotic Chocolate Chunk Brownies](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/patbrown5-e1466509396204.jpg)
This year, Kenny wants to find a fireworks display in the suburbs, and part of me thinks that could be fun. The other part just wants to eat a hot dog, put the kids to bed, and watch the show on PBS under a blanket on the couch. I wonder who’s gonna win?
Either way, I have patriotic brownies to keep me company. If you’ve never had a brownie with vanilla glaze, you are missing out. The trick to making thick glaze is to use heavy cream rather than milk or, heaven forbid, water. That makes your glaze, well, watery.
![Patriotic Chocolate Chunk Brownies](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/patbrown2-e1466509299870.jpg)
I also love to put chocolate chunks in everything, but brownies in particular. The slight crunch is a wonderful contrast to the brownie, and adds another layer of fudgy goodness.
This July 4th, celebrate in the way that makes you happy and warm and fuzzy. It’s a great holiday, a time to appreciate our freedom and traditions. Why not express that with dessert?
Patriotic Chocolate Chunk Brownies
Ingredients
Brownies
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup cocoa
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup flour
1 cup chocolate chunks
Glaze
2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
8-10 tablespoons heavy cream
Garnish
Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350. Line an 8 X 8 pan with foil and spray it with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the cocoa into the melted butter until it dissolves. Add the sugar and stir again. When the sugar is incorporated, mix in the vanilla and eggs. Add the salt and flour, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chunks.
- Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until done. Remove from the oven and cool completely.
- Make the glaze. Combine the powdered sugar and vanilla. Add the heavy cream slowly until the glaze reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Spread the glaze over the cooled brownies. Garnish with sprinkles. Allow the glaze to set.
- Cut into squares. Store in an airtight container.
3.1
http://justaboutbaked.com/patriotic-chocolate-chunk-brownies/
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I was just thinking today how we are almost halfway already through 2016!! Isn’t that scary?!! Well these brownies look perfect for 4th of july!!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Ami@NaiveCookCooks recently posted…Tropical Mango Muffins
Wow, you’re right! I never even thought of that!
I can’t believe the 4th is almost here! Where has the time gone?! These brownies are so pretty, Mir! I love the frosting and sprinkles. I can never pass up brownies, especially when they look as festive as this!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Tomato Basil Zoodles with Meatballs
Me neither, Gayle! And yep, time does fly like crazy. Where does it go?!
I’m loving these patriotic sprinkles and brownies in general ๐ fireworks in the suburbs can be really fun and low maintenance, which I’m all about. I feel the same way about the ball drop on New Year’s Eve in NYC as you do about the Capitol Fourth. Too many people, not enough personal space. Let’s stay at home and have brownies instead!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Jessica @ Citrus Blossom Bliss recently posted…Honey and Maple Almond Granola
I need to check out our suburban options. Otherwise, yep. No personal space is not an option!
I can’t not believe the 4th is so soon! My birthday is two days after, so normally the 4th of July is a mixed celebration of independence and my birth. I’m always bitter I have to share MY day with another holiday. ๐ The Capitol Fourth sounds pretty crazy, and I’m not a fan of crowds either, so watching it on the TV sounds like a total win… I mean who really wants to fight through a large rowdy group of people when you can stay home and scarf patriotic brownies?? These are so festive and fun, Mir!! Not sure what we are doing for the 4th this year, but I’m thinking these brownies need to be apart of the festivities! Love it! Cheers, girl!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Raspberry Gin Fizz Popsicles
That’s my daughter’s deal, too! She was born on July 2nd and we couldn’t check out of the hospital on the 4th because the docs were all busy. Happy almost birthday!
These brownies are super festive and look delicious! I am allllways down for brownies, especially when they’re topped with extra deliciousness ๐![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Medha @ Whisk & Shout recently posted…{Vegan} Mango Tofu Tacos with Spicy Guacamole
We think alike, Medha!
Small town July 4th celebrations are the BEST – we have our little parade and our little fireworks and I am always 100% happy…and now I can make red white and blue brownies to go with it! Yay!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Kate @ Framed Cooks recently posted…Chilled Sesame Spinach
I wish we had a small town to go to, but our area is more urban. Sounds lovely, Kate!