A Brief History of Chocolate Brownies

I’ve been making chocolate brownies for Say It With Brownies for thirteen years now (where has the time gone?!) and I send them out as letterbox friendly gifts by post. But brownies have been around for a very long time. I thought it would be interesting to have a look back to see where they have come from.

The humble brownie — a delightful square of chocolate yumminess— has a fascinating origin story. Let’s travel back in time to uncover the sweet secrets behind this beloved treat.

1. Bertha Palmer’s Culinary Quest

Our tale begins with Bertha Palmer, a prominent Chicago socialite. In 1893, as ladies flocked to the Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition, Bertha sought a dessert that was smaller than a cake slice and easy to enjoy from boxed lunches. She turned to her pastry chef and requested a solution. The result? The iconic Palmer House Brownie — a chocolate confection adorned with walnuts and an apricot glaze. The Palmer House Hotel in Chicago still serves this delectable treat using the same cherished recipe.

I’d so love to go and check this flavour out, maybe a trip to Chicago is on the cards!

2. The First Brownie Recipe Emerges

Although the name “brownie” wasn’t coined until later, the first-known printed use of the word appeared in the 1896 edition of Fannie Farmer’s Boston Cooking-School Cook Book. However, these early brownies didn’t contain chocolate. They were molasses-based cakes baked individually in tin molds. Imagine a world without chocolatey brownies — quite a different scene!

I’m not sure I love the sound of these molasses cakes, I think I’d rather stick with chocolate for my brownies that I send out as gifts.

3. Chocolate Takes Centre Stage

At last! The transition from molasses to chocolate occurred in the early 20th century. By 1906, a recipe for “Bangor Brownies” appeared in the Boston Daily Globe, featuring the addition of chocolate. These brownies were recognizable — mild, cake-like, and oh-so-chocolatey. The era of the modern-style chocolate brownie had begun. Hurray!

4. The Sears Roebuck Catalog Debut

In 1898, the recipe for brownies made its official appearance in the Sears Roebuck catalog. The name “brownie” stuck, and this delightful square gained popularity. As chocolate became more accessible in the 1920s, brownies found their way into countless homes and restaurants. Amazing that they’ve been so popular for over a hundred years now.

5. Variations and Adaptations

Brownies come in various forms:

• Fudgy vs. Cakey: Some prefer their brownies dense and fudgy, while others love them cake-like. The battle rages on! At Say It With Brownies, we prefer squidgy, gooey brownies that melt in your mouth with their chocolatey richness. This is the type of brownies that I offer in brownie gift boxes.
• Glossy Crust: Brownies often sport a glossy “skin” on their upper crust, adding to their allure.
• Nuts, Frosting, and More: From walnuts to chocolate chips, brownies welcome creative additions. We have many flavours at Say It With Brownies. Click here to see all the different types of brownies that you can order online.
• Blondies: A variation made with brown sugar and vanilla (sans chocolate) is called a blond brownie or “blondie.”

6. Brownie Etiquette: How to Savor Every Bite

Now that we know the backstory, let’s discuss proper brownie enjoyment:

• Presentation: Admire the glossy top and inviting aroma before diving in.
• Fork or Fingers?: Formal setting? Fork it is. At home? Fingers are just fine.
• Perfect Bite: Edge lovers, embrace the crunch; centre devotees, relish the fudgy core.
• Mindful Chewing: Close your eyes, let the chocolate melt, and savour each morsel.
• Pairings: Coffee, milk, or ice cream—choose your brownie’s best companion.
• Sharing Is Caring: Invite a friend; brownies are meant to be shared.

7. Brownies Forever

From the Palmer House to our kitchens, brownies have woven themselves into our hearts. So, next time you indulge in a warm, gooey square, remember the legends, the chocolate, and the joy they bring.

At Say It With Brownies we certainly intend to keep on baking and sending out our delicious treats for you as gifts.

Bon appétit, enjoy your yummy brownies!

Anita – 7th April 2024