If you’ve ever craved that ultimate bite of rich, chocolatey goodness, let me introduce you to these Homemade Brownies. Decadent, chewy, and perfectly fudgy in the center, this recipe captures everything I love about classic brownies made from scratch. With every square bursting with deep cocoa flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s the kind of treat friends and family will request again and again! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying brownies for the first time, you’ll fall for how simple this recipe is to pull together — and how impossible it is to stop at just one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Homemade Brownies is how each ingredient pulls its weight, creating a luscious dessert that tastes far better than anything from a box mix. These basics make magic: every spoonful of cocoa amplifies the chocolate flavor, while melted butter and just enough flour craft that ideal, chewy crust and soft interior we all crave!
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted): Using melted butter gives brownies their undeniably rich flavor and keeps them super moist.
- Granulated Sugar (2 cups): Sugar adds sweetness and helps build the signature shiny top after baking—so don’t skimp!
- Eggs (4 large): Each egg brings structure and chewiness, so your brownies hold together without becoming cakey.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A dash of vanilla rounds out the chocolate and infuses an inviting aroma into every slice.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): The right amount of flour gives just enough structure, keeping brownies fudgy instead of fluffy or dense.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1 cup): Deep, rich chocolate flavor—choose a good quality cocoa for the best results.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Don’t be tempted to leave this out—it balances the sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup, optional): For the chocolate enthusiast, fold in chips for pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
How to Make Homemade Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Before anything else, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready to go. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and either grease it well or line with parchment paper; this step makes it easy to lift out your brownies for mess-free cutting later.
Step 2: Combine Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted (and slightly cooled) unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is gloriously smooth and glossy. This sets the stage for that classic crackly brownie top that melts your heart every single time.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Now beat in your eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition so the batter stays velvety and thick. Stir in the vanilla extract—this little bit transforms your Homemade Brownies from good to unforgettable!
Step 4: Sift and Fold in Dry Ingredients
Sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl to ensure there are no sneaky lumps. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix—the less you stir, the more tender your brownies will be.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips (Optional) and Pour
If you want to level up your Homemade Brownies, fold in chocolate chips for extra gooey bites. Pour the batter into your prepped pan, smoothing it out to the edges for even thickness and consistent baking.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not totally clean—this is key for fudgy bliss!). Let the brownies cool completely in the pan so they set up for perfect, clean slices every time.
How to Serve Homemade Brownies
Garnishes
For maximum wow-factor, try dusting Homemade Brownies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving. Or finish with a drizzle of melted chocolate, a little flaky sea salt, or a dollop of whipped cream—each topping adds a unique touch that makes these brownies irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your brownies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a side of fresh berries, or even a steaming mug of coffee or hot chocolate. These combinations take Homemade Brownies to superstar status, adding contrast and depth that are pure joy in every mouthful.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut brownies into fun shapes with cookie cutters for parties, stack them high for a decadent dessert tower, or layer bite-sized pieces with whipped cream and fruit in glass jars for easy, elegant brownie parfaits. Homemade Brownies are endlessly adaptable, so feel free to let your imagination roam!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Homemade Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They actually get even fudgier as they sit, so don’t worry if you’re storing extras—if there are any left, that is!
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature whenever a chocolate craving hits.
Reheating
If you love warm brownies (and who doesn’t?), pop one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This little trick melts the chocolate chips and revives that glorious, just-baked texture—a true Homemade Brownies treat!
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can, but be sure to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe. Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness and brings out that perfect chocolate flavor in these Homemade Brownies.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Start checking at the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick in the center; when it comes out with a few moist fudgy crumbs (but not wet batter), they’re ready! Overbaking dries them out, so err on the side of underbaked for extra gooeyness.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Stir in a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even swirl in peanut butter before baking for fun variations. Homemade Brownies are the perfect canvas for all kinds of creative flavors.
Why are my brownies cakey instead of fudgy?
Usually, cakey brownies come from overmixing or using too much flour. Make sure to gently fold the dry ingredients in until just combined, and double-check your measurements for maximum fudge-factor.
How do I get clean cuts when slicing brownies?
Let your brownies cool completely in the pan, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water (and wiped dry) between each cut. This simple trick guarantees those satisfying, bakery-worthy brownie squares.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of Homemade Brownies fresh from your own oven—fudgy, fragrant, and packed with chocolatey love. Whether you share them or keep them all to yourself, I hope this recipe brings lots of joy and plenty of sweet moments to your kitchen. You truly can’t go wrong with these brownies, so preheat that oven and let the baking magic begin!
Print
Homemade Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness of these homemade brownies. Perfectly fudgy with a hint of sweetness, these brownies are a classic dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold into wet ingredients. Add chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan, spread evenly, and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out almost clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let brownies cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake and cool before cutting.
- Try adding nuts or swirling in peanut butter for a tasty variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
