Confession time – I never cut my brownies “properly.” Most of the time, I dig my fork right into the hot pan of brownies. Yes, I burn my tongue every time, but I don’t care. It is ooey-gooey heaven.
I can’t do this when I plan to sell my brownies. So how are you supposed to cut brownies without destroying them and what are the standard brownie size?
The best way to cut brownies is to let the brownies cool off completely (or freeze) and use a hot knife, plastic knife, or regular knife covered in cooking spray to cut. If you want to be *extra* precise, use a ruler.
Hi! My name is Michelle, and I’m a brownie fanatic (my favorite brownies include chocolate chips, M&Ms, and almonds!). While I make brownies for my family often, sometimes I bake them for profit, too. During these times, it’s important to cut the brownies the right way.
Keep reading to find out how to cut brownies!
Contents
How to Cut Brownies Cleanly
Yes, this is a step-by-step process. Is it an essential thing to do, though? No. As I said earlier, I dig in with my fork half of the time and leave a crumbly trail behind. But if you’re planning to sell your brownies, either for a business or even a bake sale, you want to cut them correctly.
To cut brownies the right way, follow these simple steps.
1. Line the Brownie Pan
Before baking your delicious ingredients, line your baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Doing so will allow you to take the brownies out of the pan easily with no mishaps.
2. Let the Brownies Cool Completely
This. Is. So. Important. Do not try to cut your brownies while they’re piping hot. You will end up with a crumbling mess – which is not professional looking. That said, let your brownies cool down in the pan before attempting to cut.
You can also go a step further and freeze your brownies. Don’t worry – your brownies won’t get ruined from freezing. Freezing will ensure no mess when slicing through, making it a quick and easy process.
When you’re done slicing your frozen treats, let them thaw at room temperature. The flavor and texture will return to normal, and they will look fabulous!
3. Measure the Brownies
Once your brownies are cooled off, grab the aluminum foil or parchment paper and remove the brownies from the pan. They should come out clean with no mishaps along the way. Then, grab your ruler.
Are we doing some math? Well, sort of. Decide how big you want your brownies to be. I typically do 2-inch-sized brownies when I’m selling, but you can choose whichever size you’d like.
Whichever size you pick, use the ruler to measure out your brownies. For example, if you’re going for 2 inches, measure two inches and make a slit on both sides of the brownie block to show where you need to cut.
When measuring, it’s best to start in the middle. That way, if you can’t measure 100% accurately, you can slice off the extras (and eat them without anyone knowing, of course).
4. Slice!
Now, it’s time to slice those brownies. You have a few options, and they all work well.
- Hot knife method – Heat = easy cutting, especially when it comes to baked goods. Don’t run your lighter over the blade, though. Be smart about it. Get some super hot water and place the knife inside. Use it to cut. Clean, then heat again before the next slice.
- Plastic knife method – Did you know that a plastic knife can work wonders on brownies? Since plastic knives are non-stick, you can slice and dice without the mess. Of course, wipe clean before every cut for the best results.
- Cooking spray method – Using a regular chef’s knife, coat the blade with cooking spray. This will reduce stickiness and crumbling. Wipe off after each cut and coat again before slicing.
- Cookie-cutter method – Who said brownies had to be square? Don’t be a square. Step out of the (square) box and consider using fun cookie-cutter shapes instead. It’s best to heat cookie cutters in hot water before use and clean them after each cut.
It is important to use the proper technique when using a knife (whether it’s hot, plastic, or coated with cooking spray). To do so, press the blade into the brownie. Use the markers you made earlier to decide where you should make your cut.
Then, drag the blade back in a single motion. Avoid using the seesaw method, as this can cause a big mess and destroy your professional-looking brownies.
FAQs
I bet you didn’t think that brownie-cutting was so peculiar! Still have some questions regarding how to cut brownies? Keep reading to find answers.
How do you cut brownies cleanly?
Really, it comes down to whether or not the brownies are cooled, what type of knife you’re using, and your technique of slicing. Follow the how-to guide above for pristine results.
How do you cut perfect brownie squares?
After years of practice, I’d still say it would be a challenge to eyeball perfectly square brownies. That’s why, to this day, I still use a ruler – and you should, too. A ruler with accurate markings will act as a guide to perfect brownie squares.
How long should brownies cool before cutting?
At least 30 minutes. However, I say the longer you can wait, the better. Or, toss them into the freezer!
What knife should I use to cut brownies?
A chef’s knife is an excellent idea, but you can also opt for cookie cutters or plastic knives. When using a chef’s knife, coat it with cooking spray or heat it up in hot water beforehand. Clean the knife between slices.
Final Thoughts
With brownies, you have to be a bit picky with your cutting method. That’s because brownies can easily crumble, leaving a giant (and unaesthetic) mess. Instead, line, cool, measure, and cut properly.
Do you cut your brownies like this? How do you cut your brownies?
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