Hey y’all! If you love classic chocolatey treats, this homemade brownies recipe is about to become your new go-to. With a rich, fudgy texture, a crackly top, and bold chocolate flavor, these brownies are always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for weeknight desserts, special occasions, or just because you deserve something sweet. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Homemade Brownies Recipe
- Super fudgy and moist brownies with an irresistible chocolatey flavor.
- Easy, one-bowl recipe that comes together in under an hour.
- Simple pantry ingredients—no fancy equipment or hard-to-find items needed.
- Easily customizable with nuts, chocolate chips, or even swirls of peanut butter.
- Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or cozy nights in!
Homemade Brownies Recipe Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra gooeyness)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How to Make Homemade Brownies Recipe: Step-By-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth and glossy. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients to the Brownies Batter
Gently fold in the flour and salt with a silicone spatula until just combined. Do not overmix! If you’re adding chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in now.
Step 4: Bake the Homemade Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Step 5: Cool & Slice
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes & Helpful Tips for Homemade Brownies Recipe
- For a shiny, crackly top, be sure to whisk the sugar and eggs well—this step is key!
- Don’t overbake; brownies continue to cook a bit as they cool. See tips on how to tell when brownies are done.
- For the best texture, let your brownies cool completely before slicing.
Homemade Brownies Recipe Variations
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top of the batter and swirl with a knife before baking.
- Mocha Brownies: Add 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder to the cocoa for a coffee kick.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the batter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking.
Required Equipment for the Best Homemade Brownies Recipe
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Homemade Brownies Recipe
Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best texture.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Top warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pair with fresh berries for a fruity twist.
- Serve with a tall glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for classic comfort.
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Homemade Brownies Recipe
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the richest flavor—see this cocoa powder guide for recommendations.
- For glossy brownies, beat the batter vigorously after adding the eggs.
- Let brownies cool completely for the cleanest slices—use a sharp, damp knife for perfect edges.
Homemade Brownies Recipe FAQ
- Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
- Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
- Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa instead of natural cocoa?
- Absolutely—Dutch-processed cocoa will give a darker color and slightly different flavor, but both work well. Learn more here.
- How do I make brownies chewier or cakier?
- For chewier brownies, use less flour and don’t overbake. For cakier brownies, add ½ teaspoon baking powder and a bit more flour.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade brownies—easy, rich, and sure to impress!
Ingredients
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (90g) chocolate chips
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
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3Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl and whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
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4Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
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5Fold in the chocolate chips, then pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
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6Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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