This is the Best Brownie Recipe you will ever try! With just a few simple ingredients you can make a batch of delicious chocolate chip brownies that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Whether you like them fudgy or cakey, with nuts or without, these easy homemade brownies can easily be adapted to your taste preference. Brownies are a classic dessert that everyone loves, take them up a notch with our simple brownie frosting recipe. Your friends and family will be begging for more!
Why You Should Make Brownies at Home
There are several reasons why making brownies at home is a great idea. First and foremost, when you make brownies at home, you have complete control over the quality of the ingredients and the baking process. This means that you can use high-quality cocoa powder, fresh eggs, and real butter to create a rich, decadent dessert that is sure to impress anyone who tries them.
Another reason to make brownies at home is that it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Baking is a great way to de-stress and unwind, and making brownies is a simple and enjoyable activity that can be done alone or with your family. Plus, when you make brownies from scratch, you can experiment with different recipes and flavor combinations to create a truly unique dessert. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Brownie Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: One of the best things about this recipe is that it uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. There’s no need to go to the grocery store to buy any fancy or exotic ingredients.
- Easy to Make: Even if you are not an experienced baker, you can make these brownies with ease. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. You don’t need any special equipment or skills to make these brownies.
- Rich and Fudgy: These brownies are not only easy to make, but they are also incredibly delicious. They are rich, fudgy, and chocolatey. They have a crispy top and a gooey center, which makes them the perfect brownie.
Ingredients for Homemade Brownies
Sugar: You need 1 cup of sugar to make perfectly sweet and chewy brownies.
Butter: Add in ½ cup of butter, softened, for rich and moist treats.
Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together by using 2 eggs in this batter.
Vanilla extract: Enhance all the incredible flavors by adding 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
Cocoa powder: Using ⅓ cup of cocoa powder will make these brownies nice and chocolatey.
Milk: 3 TBSP of milk adds a bit more moisture to this recipe, but still results in thick brownies.
Flour: You will need ½ cup of all purpose flour to give these brownies great texture and structure.
Salt: Balance the sweetness in this recipe by adding in ¼ tsp of salt.
Chocolate chips: Using ½ cup of mini chocolate chips will give each brownie a tasty chunk of chocolate in each square.
Chocolate Frosting
Butter: Make the frosting rich in flavor and give it a nice shine by using 3 TBSP of butter.
Chocolate chips: Adding in ¼ cup of chocolate chips creates a satisfying and decadent topping.
Milk: Thin out the frosting by using 2 TBSP of milk.
Powder sugar: For more sweet flavor, add 1 cup of powdered sugar.
How to make the Best Brownies Ever
Prep
First, you need to get the oven preheated to 350 degrees. Then line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper and set it aside. I like using parchment paper because after the brownies cool, I just lift them out of the pan and cut them easily. No more struggling to get the first brownie out of the pan!
Batter
Next, in a large bowl, whisk the sugar and softened butter. Then add in the eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and milk, whisk until combined and smooth. I love using a large flat whisk for this recipe, it gets rid of the lumps but it’s not difficult to mix when the batter thickens.
After that, mix in the flour, salt, and mini chocolate chips, stirring until the flour is well incorporated and no white streaks remain.
Bake
Proceed to pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Then remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool for 20 minutes before frosting.
Frosting
To make the easy chocolate frosting, in a microwave safe bowl, combine the butter, chocolate chips and milk. Microwave for 45 seconds, then add in the powder sugar and whisk until smooth.
If needed, heat further in 15-20 second increments until the chocolate chips are fully melted.
Continue to pour the chocolate over the warm brownies, spread to cover the entire surface. Let them cool and set for 5-10 minutes.
Slice, serve and enjoy!
Variations and Add-Ins for Brownies
Brownies are a versatile dessert that can be customized with different flavors and textures. Here are some ideas for add-ins and variations to take your homemade brownies to the next level.
Nuts and Chocolates: Adding nuts and chocolates to your brownie batter can add crunch and richness. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds are classic choices, but you can also try hazelnuts or pistachios for a different flavor. For chocolate, consider using chunks of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate.
Fruit Infusions: Fruit can add a fresh and tangy flavor to your brownies. Try adding in some fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries to the batter. You can also use dried fruit like cherries, cranberries, or apricots for a chewy texture. To incorporate fruit into your brownies, chop up larger pieces and fold them into the batter. For smaller fruits like berries, you can mix them into the batter whole.
Spice Inflections: Adding spices to your brownies can give them a warm and cozy flavor. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are classic choices, but you can also try cardamom, cloves, or allspice. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. To incorporate spices into your brownies, mix them into the dry ingredients before adding them to the batter. Be careful not to add too much, as spices can be overpowering if used in excess.
Best Brownie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 3 TBSP milk
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Easy Chocolate Frosting
- 3 TBSP butter
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 2 TBSP milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Whisk together sugar and butter. Add eggs, vanilla, cocoa powder and milk and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in flour, salt and mini chocolate chips, stirring until flour is well incorporated.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until brownies are set. Remove from oven and let cool for 20 minutes before frosting.
- To make chocolate frosting: Combine butter, chocolate chips and milk in a bowl. Microwave for 45 seconds. Add powdered sugar and whisk until smooth.
- Pour frosting over warm brownies. Let cool to set.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Tip for cutting perfect brownies every time
To cut perfectly square brownies, consider sticking them in the freezer for 20 minutes after cooling & before you frost them. Then, frost the brownies, place them back in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Slice with a thin, sharp knife and they will cut beautifully!
How long are homemade brownies good for?
Homemade brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Wrap the brownies in parchment paper then store them in a large ziplocked freezer bag for best results.
How can I make my brownies chewy instead of cakey?
To achieve chewy brownies, it is important to use a higher ratio of fat to flour in the recipe. You can also try replacing some of the granulated sugar with brown sugar, which contains more moisture and will help to create a chewier texture. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the batter and avoid overbaking the brownies, as this can result in a dry, cakey texture.
How Can I make cake-like brownies?
Yes, if you’d like more cake-like brownies, add in another ¼ cup flour and an extra egg. Bake for 35 minutes and let cool before frosting.
What ingredients help to keep brownies moist and what techniques should be used during baking?
To keep brownies moist, it is important to use ingredients that contain moisture, such as butter, eggs, and sugar. Adding a tablespoon or two of vegetable oil or sour cream to the batter can also help to keep the brownies moist. Be careful not to overbake the brownies, as this can cause them to become dry and crumbly. It is also important to let the brownies cool completely before cutting them, as this will help them retain their moisture.
Like Brownies? Check out these great brownie recipes:
- Smores Brownies Recipe
- The Best Mint Brownies Recipe
- Snickers Brownie Bites Recipe
- Triple Chocolate Brownies
- Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- Double Chocolate Banana Bars Recipe
- Oreo Red Velvet Brownies
- Cookies & Cream Brownies Recipe
- Orange Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- Raspberry Skillet Brownies
- Frosted Brownie Cookies
- Marshmallow Brownies Recipe
- Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- Easy Black Forest Brownie Recipe
- Peanut Butter Brownies with box mix
This Best Brownie Recipe is a simple recipe that results in a decadent and heavenly treat that is a chocolate lovers dream come true! Better than a box mix, these homemade brownies are made with basic ingredients and baked to chocolate perfection.
Kelly Jones says
It would be nice to know if the coco is sweet or I in unsweet?????
Jessica says
cocoa powder is unsweetened!
Harley says
What milk would you recommend to use for someone who is lactose-gluten free?
Jessica says
Have you Googled it? What milk do you generally drink? You can use Almond, Rice or even Cashew in this recipe.
Liz says
What kind of chocolate chips do you use for the frosting? Milk chocolate or Semi-sweet?
Jessica says
I use semi- sweet chocolate chips. Always. : )
Neena says
I notice there is no leavening agent in this recipe. So to be clear , there is no baking powder or baking soda in this recipe? That is interesting!
Jessica says
The eggs are the leavening agent. Try them- they’re amazing!
Janet H says
Loved these. I was out of granulated sugar so I replaced with coconut sugar. Excellent and fudgy!
Jessica says
Great idea, Janet!
Kristen Dziadula says
Can I double the recipe for a 9×13 pan? Love these ❤️
Jessica says
Yep, you can double it!