Homemade Box Brownies

Everybody loves brownies! Am I right?! These homemade box brownies are fudgy and chewy with that crackling on top that just screams brownie. I’ve been working on this recipe for a while and I’ve finally nailed it!

Brownies, ugh, the nightmare of homemade brownies! They are so tricky to get just right! Our oven is not cooking evenly which I can manage 90% of the time but brownies are really tricky. Add on top that I’m obsessed with a crinkle top and these brownies have taken years to develop! They are Cade’s favorite dessert next to or equal to ice cream so the need to find perfection was big! And these are perfection!

These brownies are easy and fudgy and made totally from scratch! I’m not going to lie, the Ghirardelli brownies boxed mix that you can buy at Costco are my go-to when I’m in a rush, but this homemade brownie recipe rivals those Ghirardelli box brownies! There’s just something about homemade that feels and tastes so much better!

Ingredients for Homemade Box Brownies

There are some ingredients that are an absolute must for the best brownies. For a crinkle top and best flavor you have to use cocoa powder and chopped chocolate or chocolate chips. You also must use oil and butter. Here is a complete list of everything you need:

• Butter: use unsalted butter to control the salt in the brownies and you want it melted to get the right texture and the crackly shiny top on the brownies
• Vegetable Oil: helps the brownies be moist and fudgy
• Sugar: adds sweetness and balances the bitterness of the cocoa powder
• Brown Sugar: adds more sweetness and richness in flavor
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: adds all the chocolate flavor
• Eggs: adds structure to the brownies
• Vanilla Extract: adds flavor
• Espresso Powder: found in the baking section and is used to enhance the chocolate flavor. It can be skipped if you absolutely cannot find it or substitute with instant coffee.
• Salt: enhances all the flavors
• Flour: just regular all-purpose flour is all you need
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: adds texture and more chocolate flavor

The measurements for all these ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make Box Brownies at Home

These fudgy brownies are made in just about 30 minutes and they taste even better than your favorite boxed brownies. Here are the steps for making them:

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9×9 baking pan with foil (or parchment paper) and then cooking spray.
2. Stir: Combine the melted butter, oil, sugar, and cocoa powder in a large mixing bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until well combine and shiny.
3. Whisk: In a small bowl, add the eggs and whisk until pale yellow. Add in the vanilla, espresso powder and salt. Add to chocolate mixture.
4. Mix: Add the flour to the large mixing bowl and mix until almost combined and then fold in the chocolate chips
5. Bake: Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 21-25 minutes. You want the brownies to look glossy around the edges and a toothpick should come out clean.
6. Cool: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them.

Keep scrolling down to the recipe card for all the details. You can also print or save the recipe there.

Tips for the Best Homemade Brownies

I mentioned that it is tricky to get the homemade brownies just right, and through all my many trials and errors, I have found a few tips for having the most success…

Measure the ingredients correctly! Use our how to measure flour post to measure the flour and cocoa powder for this recipe.

Don’t overmix the batter! Once everything is added to the mixing bowl, stir until streaks of flour remain and then fold in the chocolate chips and then stop mixing.

I am a firm believer in having an oven thermometer. Oven temperature can wreak havoc on baking so you want to make sure your oven is actually at 350 degrees F.

Don’t overbake! Check the brownies after 21 minutes of baking with a toothpick about an inch from the edge of the pan. It should come out clean.

This goes against everything I believe in because a warm brownie topped with ice cream is what dreams are made of, but these brownies should be cooled completely before slicing.

What Type of Pan Should Be Used for Brownies?

The best pan for baking brownies is a light metal pan. Metal gets hot quickly and cools quickly which makes it ideal for making baked goods. So if you have one, go with a light metal pan (not dark) over a glass or ceramic pan.

How to Cut Brownies

Absolutely use this plastic knife!! Using a plastic knife will change your brownies as they won’t tear apart! It is nonstick and makes clean cuts.

Can I Double This Recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles very easily to a 9×13 pan! I like to make a double batch and then freeze them or taken them to neighbors.

How to Store Brownies

Brownies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature and they will keep for 3 days. If you want them to last a little longer, store them in the refrigerator. There they will keep for 5 days.

Brownies also freeze extremely well. Let them cool completely and then wrap thoroughly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or so before eating.

Are you fan of the corner, edge or middle of the brownies? I can’t choose! It depends on the moment, but I do love a good crispy edge paired with a chewy middle. So scrumptious!

Make perfectly chewy and chocolatey brownies from scratch with this easy recipe. Let us show you how to satisfy your sweet tooth with these mouthwatering homemade box brownies.

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