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Introduction: A Family Favorite That Never Disappoints
These chocolate brownies with cranberries and walnuts are hands-down one of my absolute favorite dessert recipes, and I make them all the time for my family. While I love creating healthy-ish recipes and often substitute sugar-free ingredients in my baking, I typically make this brownie recipe exactly as written – because sometimes you just need a real treat!
I consider these cranberry walnut brownies the perfect indulgence for special occasions, holidays, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly spectacular. You only live once, and this is one of those recipes that gives you everything you want in a dessert: rich chocolate, perfect sweetness, crunchy nuts, and a hint of flaky salt that brings it all together beautifully.
If you love these brownies, you absolutely must try my other family favorite: Cherry and Walnut Brownies – they’re equally irresistible and perfect for when you want to switch up the fruit component and make them as individual servings!
Why These Are the Best Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Brownies
What makes these homemade brownies with cranberries and walnuts so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The fudgy chocolate base provides richness, while the tart dried cranberries add a bright pop of flavor that cuts through the sweetness. The walnuts contribute a satisfying crunch, and the melted chocolate chip topping with flaky sea salt creates an absolutely divine finish.
These brownies are:
- Fudgy and decadent with the perfect texture
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for entertaining – feeds a crowd
- Customizable with various mix-ins and substitutions
- Make-ahead friendly for busy schedules
Ingredients for Chocolate Brownies With Cranberries & Walnuts
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these incredible cranberry walnut chocolate brownies:Main Ingredients:
- Butter – Use unsalted butter for best flavor control
- Sugar – Granulated white sugar creates the perfect sweetness
- Hershey’s cocoa powder – Unsweetened cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor
- Pure vanilla extract – Enhances all the other flavors
- Eggs – Room temperature eggs mix better
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the brownies
- Baking powder – Helps create the perfect texture
- Kosher salt – Balances the sweetness
- Walnuts – Chopped for the perfect crunch
- Dried cranberries – Tart sweetness that complements the chocolate
- Dark chocolate chips – Ghirardelli is my preference for the topping
- Maldon flake salt – Finishing touch that elevates everything
Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Needs
Want to make these healthy cranberry walnut brownies or accommodate dietary restrictions? Here are some great substitution options:
For Lower Sugar Options:
- Replace sugar with sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia blend (use 3/4 the amount)
- Use sugar-free chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips
For Lighter Version:
- Substitute light butter or butter alternative for regular butter
- Try applesauce for half the butter to reduce calories
For Nut Allergies:
- Replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
- Use allergy-friendly chocolate chips
For Different Flavors:
- Swap cranberries for dried cherries, raisins, or dried blueberries
- Try pecans or almonds instead of walnuts
If you are looking for a healthy protein rich version of brownies, try my chocolate, chocolate, chocolate protein bars…you won’t know they are good for you!
How to Make Chocolate Brownies With Cranberries & Walnuts
Follow these detailed steps for perfect homemade brownies every time:Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray, making sure to coat the bottom and sides thoroughly. For extra insurance against sticking, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl using a stand mixer, combine the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, eggs, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Mix on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes. The batter should be thick and glossy.
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries using a large spoon or rubber spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch pan, smoothing the top with an offset spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the brownies – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick has wet batter sticking to it, continue baking for another 2-3 minutes and check again.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chip Topping
Once the brownies are done, immediately sprinkle the dark chocolate chips evenly over the hot surface. Return the pan to the oven for 2 minutes until the chips begin to melt and look glossy.
Remove from the oven and use an offset spatula to spread the melted chocolate chips across the entire surface, creating a beautiful chocolate frosting layer. Sprinkle withMaldon flake salt while the chocolate is still warm.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting – this allows the chocolate topping to set properly and makes cutting much easier. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Cut into squares and enjoy these incredible chocolate cranberry walnut brownies!
How to Store Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Brownies
Proper storage keeps these homemade brownies fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature Storage:
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days
- Use an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking
Refrigerator Storage:
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week in an airtight container
- Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture
Freezer Storage:
- Freeze individual brownies wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months
- Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving
- Whole pan can be frozen wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil
Pro Tips for Perfect Brownies Every Time
Follow these expert tips for the best chocolate brownies with cranberries and walnuts:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid tough brownies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This ensures even mixing and better texture
- Don’t Overbake – Brownies continue cooking from residual heat; slightly underdone is better than overdone
- Line Your Pan – Parchment paper makes removal foolproof
- Cool Completely Before Cutting – This prevents crumbling and messy cuts
- Toast the Walnuts – Toasting nuts for 5-8 minutes enhances their flavor and crunch
- Measure Cocoa Powder Correctly – Spoon and level for accurate measurement
- Use Quality Chocolate Chips – Better chocolate makes a noticeable difference in taste
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Walnut Brownies
Rate This Recipe and Share Your Experience!
Did you love these chocolate brownies with cranberries and walnuts as much as my family does? I’d love to hear about your experience! Please leave a rating and tell me in the comments below:
- How did your brownies turn out?
- Did you make any substitutions?
- What occasion did you make them for?
- Any tips you’d like to share with other bakers?
Your feedback helps other home bakers and means the world to me!
More Irresistible Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these cranberry walnut brownies, you’ll absolutely love these other favorite recipes from my blog:
- White Chocolate Blondies with Raspberries – A fruity twist on classic blondies
- Nutty Buddy Cookie Cake – Peanut butter and chocolate perfection
- Coconut Custard Pie – Creamy, tropical comfort dessert
- Thin Mint Cookies – Homemade version of the Girl Scout favorite
- Individual Cannoli Pies – Italian-inspired personal desserts
- Clafoutis aux prunes – Elegant French fruit dessert
Each recipe is thoroughly tested and family-approved – just like these amazing chocolate cranberry walnut brownies!
Chocolate Brownies With Cranberries & Walnuts
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Butter, melted
- 2 Cups Sugar
- ½ Cup Hershey’s cocoa powder
- 1 Tsp. Pure vanilla extract
- 4 Eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 Cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 Tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 Tsp. Kosher salt
- 1/2 Cup Walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/2 Cup Dried cranberries
- 1/2 Cup Dark Chocolate chips (Ghirardelli is my preference)
- Maldon Flakey salt to finish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
- Mix the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, eggs, flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl in a standing mixer. Stir in the walnuts and cranberries.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake in preheated oven for 22-25 minutes. Check with a toothpick to be sure they are cooked through. The toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake should come out clean. If it has any brownie mix sticking to it, let it cook another couple of minutes. Spread the chocolate chips on top of the brownies and put back in the oven for two minutes until the chips are melting. Remove from the oven and spread those chips creating a frosting on top of the brownies. Sprinkle with the flakey salt. Let the brownies cool and the icing set.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
