There’s just something magical about a pan of Homemade Brownies cooling on the counter, filling the kitchen with the most irresistible chocolate aroma. These brownies are the ultimate treat: rich, fudgy, and deeply chocolaty, with a crackly top and soft, chewy center that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a potluck, or simply to satisfy a late-night craving, this classic recipe is the one you’ll reach for again and again. Let’s dive into the world of Homemade Brownies and discover how easy and rewarding it is to whip up a batch from scratch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking Homemade Brownies doesn’t require a long list of fancy ingredients—just a handful of pantry staples that work together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a star role, so don’t skip or substitute unless you’re feeling adventurous!

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted): Gives the brownies their rich, decadent base and that signature chewy texture.
Granulated Sugar (2 ¼ cups): Sweetens the brownies and helps create that beloved crackly top.
Large Eggs (4): Bind the batter and give structure, ensuring every bite is perfectly moist.
Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and brings out the chocolate flavor.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1 cup): Delivers the deep, chocolatey flavor that sets homemade brownies apart from the boxed kind.
All-Purpose Flour (1 ¼ cups): The backbone of the batter, providing just enough structure without making the brownies cakey.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Lifts the brownies ever so slightly for a soft, pleasing crumb.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup, optional): For bursts of gooey chocolate in every bite—totally optional, but highly recommended!

How to Make Homemade Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and minimal cleanup. A well-prepped pan is your secret weapon for brownies that lift out effortlessly!

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns smooth and glossy. This step not only dissolves the sugar but also sets the foundation for that irresistible shiny top layer that everyone loves on homemade brownies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. This ensures a silky-smooth batter and a tender crumb. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a subtle yet essential layer of flavor to your brownies.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder directly into the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix—this is the key to perfectly dense, chewy homemade brownies.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

If you’re going for extra gooeyness, fold in your chocolate chips now. Their melty pockets of chocolate make every bite feel a little bit special. You can also get creative here with nuts or a swirl of peanut butter if you’re in the mood!

Step 6: Bake

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. You’re looking for a toothpick inserted into the center to come out with a few moist crumbs—this guarantees fudgy, not dry, brownies.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Patience pays off! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This helps them set and makes for cleaner, neater slices. Now, all that’s left is to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

How to Serve Homemade Brownies

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a pinch of flaky sea salt can take your homemade brownies from great to show-stopping. Fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream also make wonderful finishing touches for a truly decadent dessert.

Side Dishes

Brownies are a natural partner for cold, creamy treats, so pair them with ice cream or gelato for a classic combo. For a lighter touch, serve them with fresh fruit or a tart berry compote—the contrast is delicious! Coffee, espresso, or a tall glass of milk are always welcome alongside a rich slice of homemade brownies.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer brownie squares in parfait glasses with whipped cream and fruit for a fun twist, or use cookie cutters to make festive shapes for holidays and parties. Brownie sundaes, trifles, or even brownie pops (skewered and dipped in chocolate) turn everyday homemade brownies into something extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover homemade brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to four days—if they last that long! For added freshness, place a slice of bread in the container; it helps prevent the brownies from drying out.

Freezing

Homemade brownies freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

To bring your brownies back to their gooey glory, microwave a square for 10–15 seconds. This revives that just-baked warmth and makes the chocolate chips extra melty, perfect for a quick dessert or a sneaky midnight snack.

FAQs

How do I know when my homemade brownies are done baking?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the pan. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not raw batter), your brownies are perfectly baked. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry them out.

Can I make homemade brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitution and contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

What’s the secret to fudgy brownies instead of cakey ones?

For fudgier brownies, bake at the shorter end of the time range and let them cool completely before slicing. Also, be sure not to overmix the batter—gentle folding is key!

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a swirl of peanut butter can be mixed in with the chocolate chips. Just keep the total amount of add-ins to about one cup to maintain the ideal brownie texture.

What’s the best way to cut homemade brownies cleanly?

Let the brownies cool completely, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This keeps the edges neat and prevents the brownies from sticking to the blade.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried baking homemade brownies from scratch, now’s the time to treat yourself! With just a handful of staple ingredients and a simple process, you’ll have a pan of rich, chocolatey goodness ready to share—or savor all to yourself. Happy baking!

Homemade Brownies Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Homemade Brownies recipe delivers classic, fudgy chocolate brownies with a rich cocoa flavor and optional melty chocolate chips for extra indulgence. Perfectly balanced with a tender crumb and just the right amount of sweetness, these brownies are easy to make and sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s craving.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

2 ¼ cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder

Optional

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies later.
Combine Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy, which helps create a rich, fudgy texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and ensure even mixing. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to remove lumps. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which could toughen the brownies.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: If using, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter for pockets of melted chocolate.
Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into 16 squares. This cooling step helps the brownies set and makes cutting easier.

Notes

For fudgier brownies, bake closer to 30 minutes and allow to cool completely before cutting.
Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Swirl peanut butter into the batter before baking for a rich, nutty twist.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American