homemade brownies

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• These homemade brownies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
• They are double chocolate.
• These brownies are intense, rich, and satisfying.
• This recipe is made with only pantry staple ingredients.
• They are quick and easy to whip up in only 35 minutes.
• They taste much better than boxed brownies.
• They have slightly chewy crispy edges.
• The center is gooey and fudge-like.
• These brownies have a rich chocolate flavor.
• They can be made gluten-free with gluten-free flour.
• Check out these Oreo Brownies for another favorite dessert recipe!

Ingredients & Substitutions

These are the main ingredients and substitutions for homemade brownies. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and instructions.

• Use unsalted butter. Then, melt. Stir together with the chocolate chips until fully melted and creamy.
• Choose chocolate chips that you enjoy the flavor of. They contribute to the overall flavor in a big way. Feel free to use semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate chips. I do not recommend bittersweet or unsweetened chocolate.
• Both white sugar and light brown sugar add the sweetness. In addition, the sugar helps produce the crackly shiny tops! For a refined sugar free option, check out these Paleo Brownies.
• The eggs help bind the brownie batter together. In addition, the mixing of the eggs and sugar creates the shiny tops. Do not substitute for the eggs.
• Vanilla extract adds warmth.
• All-purpose flour thickens up the brownie batter. Feel free to use gluten-free 1 to 1 flour if needed. Do not use almond flour or coconut flour.
• Cocoa powder adds even more chocolate! Use regular or dark cocoa powder.
• Lastly, add in a pinch of sea salt. This balances out the sweetness of the chocolate well.
• If desired, add in more chocolate chips, chopped chocolate bars, crushed Oreos, M&Ms, walnuts, or other add-ins to the batter. You can also top the baked brownies with salted caramel sauce!

Taste & Texture

These homemade brownies are ultra chocolaty and rich! They are perfectly sweet. These brownies have a decadent chocolate flavor. This is from the cocoa powder and melted chocolate.

These brownies have slightly chewy edges and a soft gooey center. The tops have a thin shiny crackly crust. These brownies have the best texture and flavor!

How to Make

Step 1

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl.

Step 3

Stir chocolate chips into melted butter, until completely creamy.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, add sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla.  Whisk vigorously for 2 minutes, until light and frothy.

Step 5

Then, pour in the melted chocolate mixture.  Stir until combined.

Step 6

Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and sea salt.  Stir until a thick batter forms.

Step 7

Transfer the brownie batter to the lined pan.  Smooth into an even layer.

Step 8

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with only moist crumbs.

Step 9

Finally, remove from oven.  Allow these homemade brownies to fully cool before slicing and serving.

Tips & Tricks for Success

• For the best flavors and texture, follow this homemade brownies recipe exactly as written.
• Fully mix melted butter with chocolate chips. This mixture needs to be smooth and creamy.
• To get those beautiful shiny tops, be sure to mix eggs and sugars completely.
• Vigorously whipping the eggs and sugars creates a meringue type crust on top of the brownies. This yields crackly top brownies.
• Using too little sugar will prevent that shiny crackly crust on top.
• Sift in flour and cocoa powder. This creates a smooth brownie batter.
• Do not bake too long. It is better to under bake than over bake!
• Insert a toothpick into the center of the homemade brownies. If it comes out with only moist crumbs, brownies are done.

How to Cut Brownies

• To cut brownies perfectly, follow these easy steps.
• First, allow the brownies to fully cool. Allow them to cool in the baking pan. This ensures that the brownies will firm up and hold their shape.
• Use a very sharp knife without a serrated edge. A serrated knife creates uneven lines.
• Before each cut, dip the knife in hot water. This cleans the knife before each cut. In addition, this prevents the brownie from sticking to the knife.
• For very precise brownies, use a ruler.
• Do not push down too hard. Place knife over where you intend to cut. Then gently press down.
• Lastly, use a thin metal spatula to transfer brownies to the serving plate.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Add in chocolate chips to the brownie batter.
• Top with chocolate chips after baking. They become gooey and melty!
• Add chopped chocolate bars to the batter. They will melt into pools of chocolate.
• Add in white chocolate chips.
• Make these Homemade Strawberry Brownies for a fun flavor!
• Try adding in some walnuts.
• Top with Buttercream Frosting.
• Top with a drizzle of peanut butter.
• For the ultimate dessert, top with hot fudge and whipped cream.
• Check out these Homemade Brookies which combine cookies and brownies!

How to Serve & Store

Frequently Asked Questions