Mochi‑Stuffed Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup all‑purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 4 pieces sweetened mochi (cut into 2‑inch cubes)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 6‑inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, then remove from heat and stir in the sugar until combined; let cool slightly.

3. 3

   Whisk the egg and vanilla into the butter‑sugar mixture, then fold in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Stir in half of the chocolate chips.

4. 4

   Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan, place the mochi cubes evenly on top, then cover with the remaining batter and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips.

5. 5

   Bake for 22‑25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out with a few moist crumbs; the center will be soft and slightly gooey.

6. 6

   Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment and cut into two large squares.