Aztec Gold Brownies

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 325°F
2. 2
   Line 8-inch glass baking pan with foil, grease and flour.
3. 3
   In a glass bowl, melt butter and chocolate in 10 seconds increments. If chocolate is well-grated, this should take about 40 seconds-stir after 30 seconds.
4. 4
   Place sugar, cinnamon, espresso powder, and chipotle pepper in a mixing bowl and stir well.
5. 5
   Put flour and cocoa in another bowl and mix well.
6. 6
   Scrape chocolate into sugar mixture and beat on medium speed about 30 seconds.
7. 7
   Scrape sides and bottom of bowl and beat another 20 seconds or so.
8. 8
   Add eggs, beat to incorporate, scraping as needed.
9. 9
   Add vanilla and stir to incorporate.
10. 10
    Add half of flour mixture, and stir on low speed until mostly mixed it.
11. 11
    Scrape bowl and add rest of flour, mixing until incorporated.
12. 12
    Scrape bowl. Beat on medium high speed for about 45 seconds, or until mixture lightens visibly. This is to incorporate air, which is the only leavening in the batter.
13. 13
    Scrape into prepared pan and bake at 325°F for 30-35 minutes.
14. 14
    Allow to cool in pan for 15 minutes.
15. 15
    Lift out foil and lay on a wire rack and allow to cool completely before cutting.
16. 16
    If you cut them too soon, they will be gooey in the middle and crackle too much on the top and fall apart.
17. 17
    They should be fudgy in the middle with a bit of a crispy crust on top.
18. 18
    Take them over the top by sprinkling with edible gold leaf.