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Monday, February 27, 2017

Trader Joe's Sumatra Coffee Brownies

Moist.

Ugh. Don't you just hate that word?

"Moist" doesn't bother me too much (I'm more bothered by double negatives and the word "notate" not being used to mean composing musical score), but man, most people hate the word. It's kinda a big thing. Eh well. To each their own, and if you're part of the moist-hating crowd, so be it.

Too bad so many people hate the word "moist" because it's a great word to describe the perfect brownie...and very apt to describe Trader Joe's Sumatra Coffee Brownies.

If you like dried up crusty corner brownies, stay away. These sumatra brownies are super moist in the most perfect of brownie ways...thick and fudgy and rich. Soft. Chewy. And definitely not dry in the least. It's almost like they were brought out of the over a few minutes early.

Yet by some odd mad science of baking, there's a perfectly crispy outer shell layer. The crust is perfect, just thick enough to hold the whole shebang together without getting your fingers messy, with only the smidgiest smidge of grease, with a little coffee dust (presumably) on top.

And taste...oh man. I've already used the word "rich" and that is an understatement. Very chocolatey, in a very deep way. The coffee element is a little more subtle, but definitely present. It'd probably be enough to have the kiddos make a face, even if you were one to give them a coffee-laced sugar hit - hey, I don't judge.

There's so little to not like. I can't think of much. One brownie is more than enough for Sandy and I to share - only a few bites is just enough and not too much. Which will bring me to the one odd point, because hey, it's TJ's were talking about...the packaging. Four brownies inside the bag, and they're packaged in twos - why not either each seperately, or all together? By twos seems odd. No matter.

Not much else to say. For these little moist morsels, there's nothing I can notate that's not good. We've had them three nights in a row now and still can't find a single complaint. Perfect fives from the wife and me.

Bottom line: Trader Joe's Sumatra Coffee Brownies: 10 out of 10 Golden Spoons
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20 comments:

  1. The JRFebruary 27, 2017 at 8:20 AM

    They must be good! a 10, cool.

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  2. AnonymousFebruary 27, 2017 at 11:34 AM

    I wonder what it will be like slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! Oh TJ's brought back cannelés de bordeaux. I never had it until I tried it OMG! So good. Only $4 for 4 cakes. DELISH!

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  3. Attila SzendrodiFebruary 27, 2017 at 1:20 PM

    I had no interest in these until I read your review. The problem is, I like sweets at night and I fear the coffee in it may be a bad idea that late. Was there any issues with that?

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    Replies
    1. Russ ShellyFebruary 27, 2017 at 2:56 PM

      Nah, not really for either one of us, but we both have hearty caffeine tolerance, so your mileage may vary.

      Delete
    2. UnknownDecember 13, 2017 at 3:25 PM

      I ate them at night and had no problems. These are the best brownies I have ever eaten. Absolutely love them.

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    3. katFebruary 27, 2018 at 2:05 AM

      I'm reading this a year later, typing at 2am. I'm up because I just had one of those brownies and now I'm wired and can't get to sleep! They were good though. But the coffee dusting is messy.

      Delete
  4. JordanFebruary 27, 2017 at 2:17 PM

    They're amazing. I cut each one into 4 squares to try to control my portions but they're so delish it didn't really work. They would be excellent warmed up with ice cream on top.

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    Replies
    1. UnknownMay 2, 2017 at 9:34 PM

      hahaha I did the same thing. It didn't work for me either. I went from 4 squares, then 3 triangles, halves and finally you guessed it, the whole package. I will never buy them again. They're too delicious. (I just bought another package tonight.)

      Delete
  5. UnknownMarch 1, 2017 at 1:13 AM

    Ah, just in time to read this after I gave up sugar for Lent, sigh

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  6. flagrl561March 1, 2017 at 9:32 PM

    Ha! I love dry crusty corners so I'm not tempted by this post for "moist" brownies.

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  7. KellyMMarch 2, 2017 at 10:09 AM

    None of the Trader Joe's in the Tampa Bay Area had even heard of these brownies. I hope we eventually get them.

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  8. UnknownMarch 4, 2017 at 10:53 PM

    I called seven trader Joe's in the Los Angeles area looking for these bad boys and nobody knew what I was talking about. After looking them up in their system, they said it looked like they sold out so fast that the distribution center was trying to catch up on demand.

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  9. nobodyMarch 5, 2017 at 6:44 PM

    Alas, not available (or heard of) at my TJ's in northern Arizona.

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  10. mlpMarch 5, 2017 at 9:27 PM

    My Trader Joe's in Los Angeles,
    California (Toluca Lake) said they aren't "order-able". :-(

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  11. JillianMarch 8, 2017 at 8:21 PM

    Bought these based on your review, and holy wow. Perfect 10 indeed.

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  12. LeanneMarch 30, 2017 at 11:37 AM

    TJ's in Alabama doesn't have these still. :-(

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  13. Jim GallagherJuly 16, 2017 at 3:48 PM

    Devastated! Just called 6 TJ's in the Philadelphia area. All are now out of stock. They are a seasonal item and they won't be back is stock 'til the fall. The FALL! I need them NOW! I'm starting to get the shakes! How many pieces do I have to cut this last one up to last until FALL?

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  14. hawkeye2266August 27, 2017 at 3:23 PM

    I have eaten many different brownies, but the Sumatra coffee brownies left me wanting more. Been back to trader joes many times but there never in stock when I am there. Highly recommend these brownies if you can get them.

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  15. personcenteredexistenceFebruary 9, 2018 at 3:14 PM

    These are really good. I walked by them a couple of times and went back to scoop them up. I think it's a good use of the 300 calories. I would not try this if you have an aversion to coffee. I start each day with two cups, so I loved them. Will probably go back and get a few more to pop in the freezer.

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