🍊 Orange Peel Brownies

Here’s a rich, fudgy Orange Peel Brownies recipe that gives just enough citrus pop without tasting like a candle!

🛒 Ingredients

For the brownies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
  
• ¾ cup brown sugar
  
• 3 large eggs
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• 1 tbsp fresh orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
  
• ½ tsp orange extract (optional but 🔥)
  
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
  
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  
• ½ tsp salt
  

For the candied orange peel (optional but SO good):

• Peel from 1–2 oranges (cut into thin strips)
  
• ½ cup water
  
• ½ cup sugar
  

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🔥 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the candied orange peel (optional)

1. Simmer orange peel strips in water for 10 minutes. Drain.
   
2. Add ½ cup water + ½ cup sugar to a saucepan.
   
3. Simmer peels in syrup for 10–12 minutes.
   
4. Remove and let dry on parchment paper.
   
5. Sprinkle lightly with sugar if desired.
   

(Set aside to chop and fold into batter or sprinkle on top.)

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2️⃣ Make the brownies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
   
2. Melt butter and chocolate chips together (microwave in 30-second bursts). Stir until smooth.
   
3. Whisk in sugars.
   
4. Add eggs one at a time.
   
5. Stir in vanilla, orange zest, and orange extract.
   
6. Fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt just until combined.
   
7. Fold in chopped candied peel (if using).
   
8. Pour into pan and bake 28–32 minutes (center should still be slightly fudgy).
   

Let cool completely before slicing!

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✨ Optional Upgrade

Drizzle with a simple orange glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
  
• 1–2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  
• Tiny pinch of zest
  

Try this recipe the next time you stay at Kiefer Campgrounds!