These homemade brownies are rich, fudgy, and incredibly decadent—better than anything you’ll find in a box! With a few simple ingredients, you can make a batch of chewy, chocolate-packed brownies that will impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Fudgy – These brownies have the perfect balance of chewiness and gooeyness.
Easy to Make – No complicated steps or fancy equipment required.
Deep Chocolate Flavor – The combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips creates a deep, intense chocolate taste.
Better Than Store-Bought – You’ll never go back to box mixes after trying these!
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a casual treat or a special gathering, these brownies are always a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salted butter
Granulated white sugar
Large eggs
Unsweetened cocoa powder or black cocoa powder
Salt
Baking powder
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Chocolate chips (Ghirardelli recommended)

Directions

Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for easy removal. Spray with non-stick spray and set aside.
Melt the butter and sugar – In a small pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the sugar and stir. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sugar dissolves, stirring constantly. Do not let the mixture boil.
Mix the wet ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 1 minute.
Combine the mixtures – Stir the butter-sugar mixture into the egg mixture until fully incorporated.
Add dry ingredients – Gently mix in the flour and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool and cut – Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
Store – Keep brownies in an airtight container for up to a week.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 15 brownies
Calories: 350 kcal per serving

Variations

Nutty Brownies – Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Espresso Brownies – Stir in 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
Salted Caramel Brownies – Drizzle caramel sauce over the batter before baking and sprinkle with sea salt.
Peanut Butter Swirl – Swirl ¼ cup of melted peanut butter into the batter before baking.
Extra Chocolatey – Use a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips for added richness.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator – For longer storage, keep in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezer – Wrap brownies individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating – Microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back the gooey texture.

FAQs

How do I make my brownies extra fudgy?

Use a higher fat-to-flour ratio by not overmixing the batter and slightly underbaking them.

Can I use unsalted butter instead?

Yes, but add an extra ¼ teaspoon of salt to balance the flavors.

Why do my brownies come out cakey instead of fudgy?

Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can make brownies cakey. Be sure to mix until just combined.

Can I substitute cocoa powder with melted chocolate?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the butter and sugar content to compensate for the moisture difference.

How do I get that shiny, crackly top?

Make sure to fully dissolve the sugar in the melted butter before mixing it with the eggs.

Can I use Dutch-process cocoa instead of natural cocoa powder?

Yes! Dutch-process cocoa will give a deeper chocolate flavor and a darker color.

How do I cut brownies cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it with a warm, damp cloth between cuts.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but use two pans to ensure even baking.

What’s the best way to serve these brownies?

Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of milk.

Can I add mix-ins like candy or dried fruit?

Absolutely! Try adding M&Ms, crushed Oreos, or dried cherries for a twist.

Conclusion

These Better Than Box Mix Brownies are the ultimate homemade treat—rich, fudgy, and packed with chocolatey goodness. Once you try this simple, from-scratch recipe, you'll never want store-bought brownies again. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies are sure to become a household favorite!

Better Than Box Mix Brownies

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Author: Emmily
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 15 brownies
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Better Than Box Mix Brownies are rich, fudgy, and irresistibly chocolatey—way better than store-bought! Made with simple ingredients like butter, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips, they deliver the perfect chewy texture with a deep chocolate flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just need a quick sweet treat, this homemade brownie recipe will impress everyone.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray.
Melt the butter in a small pot over medium-low heat. Stir in the sugar and cook for 1-2 minutes until dissolved, stirring constantly. Do not let it boil.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer for 1 minute.
Combine mixtures: Stir the melted butter-sugar mixture into the egg mixture until well blended.
Add dry ingredients: Gently fold in the flour and chocolate chips until just combined.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool and cut: Let the brownies cool completely before lifting them out of the pan and slicing.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Notes

For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake them and avoid overmixing.
Use Dutch-process cocoa for a deeper chocolate flavor.
To get that shiny, crackly top, ensure the sugar fully dissolves in the melted butter.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American