These Chocolate Chip Brownies with a hint of Pinot Noir are decadent desserts perfect for serving at parties or as everyday baked treats!
Red wine and chocolate are the perfect pairing, don't you think?
We're so blessed to live in Oregon Wine Country, amidst an abundance of amazing Oregon Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
There is also a growing movement for high quality artisan chocolates made in Portland. Some of my faves: Woodblock Chocolate, Xocolatl de David, Alma Chocolate, and the sadly now shuttered Pitch Dark Chocolates.
Essentially, we live in a magical, delicious intersection of perfect pairings. So it's only fitting on this Wine Wednesday that I share a recipe that combines the two: Chocolate Chip Brownies with Pinot Noir.
2015: an intense year for Oregon Pinot Noir
Arguably more so than many of its red wine counterparts, Pinot Noir tends to take on the qualities of the region the grapes are grown in. Thus, due to climate differences and growing seasons, Oregon Pinot Noir tends to be milder, more delicate, and lighter in color compared to the generally bigger, darker California Pinot Noir.
However, as we all know, the weather has been more unpredictable these last few years, and Oregon Pinot Noir wines reflect that.
Take 2015. It was HOT and dry in Oregon: two descriptors that are typically not associated with our great state.
The 2015 Titan Pinot Noir from Bells Up Winery is a great example of what can happen to Oregon Pinot Noir grapes when they get very little rain and several consecutive days of 95-degree heat. They jump up and get in your face (in the friendliest, Oregon way) with a richer, more intense fruit forward pinot. I swear I could hear the dark cherry fruit trumpeting a jubilant parade march as I uncorked the bottle.
This wine is fantastic on its own, with BBQ, and I'd totally take this cabin camping. But it's also AMAZING in - and with - these Pinot Noir Chocolate Chip Brownies.
Chocolate Chip Brownies with Pinot Noir
Just like with my recent recipe for Chewy Chocolate Fudge Cookies, I have a no-fail base brownie recipe that I love and then I experiment with additional ingredients to mix things up.
I used this chewy fudge brownie recipe as the base, added just a hint of Pinot Noir, and then chocolate chips for added chocolate and crunch.
You don't want to add too much Pinot Noir - I used two tablespoons but you could go up to 3 tablespoons if you wanted. More than that would overpower the brownies and also through the dry-to-wet mix ratio off and you'd end up with a mess.
Plus, you don't want to use too much Pinot Noir in the brownies because you need to enjoy a glass or two of the red wine with the brownies!
Pinot Noir Chocolate Chip Brownies recipe
Chocolate Chip Brownies with Pinot Noir
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13" baking pan. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and the chopped chocolate together. The chopped semi-sweet baking chocolate is what gives this recipe it’s ultra gooeyness and chocolate love. Once the mixture is almost melted, add in the pinot noir wine. Reduce heat to low, stir ingredients until the butter and chocolate have completely melted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a mixer with the paddle attachment, mix together the sugar, vanilla and eggs on medium-high speed until you get a light yellow creamy consistency (about 4-5 minutes).
- Lower the mixer to slow speed and add the flour and salt until well blended.
- Add the slightly cooled chocolate mixture to the mix until well blended, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour mix into a greased 9″ x 13″ baking pan and then sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly. Some will sink, some will remain on top.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 22-27 minutes. To test: poke a toothpick into the center — at 25 minutes, if it comes out with a small amount of moist crumbs attached to the toothpick, it’s done. If you try to wait until your toothpick comes out clean, you’re going to totally overbake these brownies into bricks, so set aside your conventional knowledge of brownies and know that these are DONE usually at or around 25 minutes.
- Cool brownies in pan at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
If you make this recipe, don't forget to share it on Instagram with hashtag #URBANBLISSLIFE and tag me @URBANBLISSLIFE.
I'd love to see what you make! And, if you like this recipe, please do me a huge favor and leave a star rating. Thank you, sweet friends!
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Nicolas Hortense says
Wow it is so interesting how you added pinot noir to the brownie but I totally see where you're going with it. What a fantastic idea. The brownies look wonderful (:
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Thank you so much, Nicolas!
Denay DeGuzman says
These beautiful chocolate chip brownies look amazingly special! So perfect as a hostess gift, for the weekend, or a mid-day indulgence. Thank you for this delicious recipe!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! :) Thanks, Denay!
Holly says
Okay, I need to try these asap! There's nothing better than chocolate and wine!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Agreed! :)
Ricci says
Chocolate and wine, one of my fave combos! I will have to to make these brownies for myself!!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Same here! So yummy! :)
Jennifer says
What an amazing brownie! I have never thought of adding to the depth of flavor in this way. I will have to give it a try!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Let me know how you like them! :)
Sara says
I know I would love these! Wine and brownies happen to be two of my favorite things! Combining them is genius!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Thanks so much, Sara! :)
Luci says
These brownies look so fudgy and delicious. I haven't made brownies with wine before, I'll have to give it a go.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
You really should! Thanks, Luci! :)
Danielle says
OMG - The brownies look so fudgey! I have never used red wine in a sweet recipe before...But chocolate and red wine are a perfect combo!!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Agreed! It's definitely something to try! :)
Monica says
Chocolate and wine, what's not to like. I love. Rownies and I'm sure the wine brings out that cocoa flavor well.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
It really does! I love putting the two together! :)
Diana says
Wow you just combined 2 of my favourite things together, chocolate brownies and wine!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
It's a favorite combo of mine! Sooo good! :)
Jenni LeBaron says
I've never thought to add pinot noir to brownies but it sounds really tasty. The perfect dessert to enjoy with a bottle!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
It adds such a yummy flavor! Thanks, Jenni!
Taylor Kiser says
These brownies have my name written ALL OVER THEM! Nothing better than wine in my brownies!!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Agreed! It makes such a great combo! :)
Jennifer Penas says
Those look amazingly good! I love the fact that there is wine in them too! Cheers!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Thanks so much Jennifer!
Elisha says
I KNEW I had to read this when I read the title! My goodness! And that’s an interesting tip about the Oregon Pinot Noir. Oregon is on my list to travel, and now I know I must have their Pinot! Yum. Thanks for sharing these decadent beauties!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
It is a must! I'm glad you enjoyed the post! :)
Jordan says
Wine and Chocolate- 2 of my favorite things. I'm definitely going to need to try this out.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Same here! :)