Homemade chocolate brownies are the ultimate comfort dessert, loved for their rich, fudgy texture and irresistible chocolatey flavor. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a foolproof way to satisfy their sweet tooth.
How to Make Homemade Chocolate Brownies
Making homemade chocolate brownies from scratch is simpler than you think! With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of brownies that’s far superior to any store-bought mix. Below, you’ll find detailed step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and ideas for customizing your brownies to suit your taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Melt chocolate and butter together until smooth.
- Stir in sugars until fully combined.
- Mix in eggs and vanilla, one at a time.
- Fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined.
- Pour batter into the pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking for moist crumbs with a toothpick.
- Cool completely before slicing and serving.
Homemade Chocolate Brownies
20
servings10
minutes25
minutesIngredients
Butter: 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
Chocolate: 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup (150g)
Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g)
Eggs: 3 large eggs
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (65g)
Cocoa Powder: 1/4 cup (30g), unsweetened
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon- Optional Add-ins:
Chocolate chips, nuts, or a swirl of peanut butter
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- Melt butter and chocolate: Place the butter and chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Combine sugars: Stir the granulated sugar and brown sugar into the melted chocolate mixture until fully combined.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold the ingredients gently until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
FAQ
1. How do I make brownies more fudgy? To make brownies fudgier, reduce the amount of flour and bake for a slightly shorter time. Avoid overmixing the batter.
2. Can I use cocoa powder instead of chocolate? Yes, but you may need to adjust the butter and sugar proportions to compensate for the difference in sweetness and fat content.
3. How long do homemade brownies last? Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
4. Can I make these brownies gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
5. Why is my brownie top not shiny? A shiny top comes from properly dissolving the sugar in the melted butter and chocolate mixture before adding the eggs.