Sourdough Red Velvet Winter Brownies

Here’s a decadent twist on classic brownies: Sourdough Red Velvet Winter Brownies. The sourdough starter adds depth and moisture, while the red velvet brings a rich, festive color perfect for winter desserts.

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Sourdough Red Velvet Winter Brownies

Ingredients

Brownies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup sourdough starter (discard works perfectly)

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup cocoa powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 tsp red food coloring (optional, for vibrant red)

• ½ cup white chocolate chips or chunks (optional, wintery twist)

Cream Cheese Swirl (optional)

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven & prep pan
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line with parchment for easy removal.

2. Melt butter & mix sugar
   In a saucepan or microwave, melt butter. Stir in sugar until combined. Let cool slightly.

3. Add wet ingredients
   Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sourdough starter. Mix until smooth.

4. Combine dry ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold into wet mixture. Add red food coloring and white chocolate if using.

5. Optional cream cheese swirl
   Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Dollop over brownie batter and swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.

6. Bake
   Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

7. Cool & serve
   Let cool completely in the pan before slicing. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate for a festive touch.

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Tips & Variations

• Extra fudgy: Slightly underbake (remove at 28–30 minutes)

• Nutty twist: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

• Spiced winter flavor: Add ½ tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the dry mix

• Sourdough boost: Use a mature starter for more tang, or discard for milder flavor

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These brownies are moist, tender, and rich, with a subtle tang from the sourdough that balances the sweetness beautifully. Perfect for winter holidays or cozy nights by the fire.

I can also give a layered sourdough red velvet brownie with cream cheese frosting version for a show-stopping dessert if you want. Do you want me to do that?